A glow shining from the inside out As beautiful as the purple magnolias of Asia Yet as rare as a bright orange Alaskan sunset So long separated by time and distance I almost do not recognize the vision set before me Reality with the ability to transform Distrusting my eyes Afraid they may conspire to betray me To lead me to the path of blunder Surrendering me to lies and ruin Outward perception distorted by fear Is it the meadow of flowers I paint in my dreams? A winsome smile forces my lips to part Thoughts of pleasant changes captured within me I am unable to free them but doubt still lingers Apprehensive of the mendacious nature of my heart She unwittingly deceives Loves without regard to reciprocation She dominates I am no match for her strength I am subject to her will Mental chains of steel I use to restrain But the arrows of cupid still calls The beauty of two beings intertwined beckons A longing to live in the painted canvas Perfect hues, perfect shades