This Much

for George and Joanna (04.10.2014)

More than a prisoner hates his cell,

More than a bully likes to shove,

Or the hypochondriac hates to be well,

That’s how much you I love.

I love you more than a dog can bark,

More than a cloud holds rain,

I love you more than the moon lights the dark,

And more than work is a pain.

As a bad comedian laughs at his jokes,

Or the sky likes to be blue,

As a bicycle wheel needs its spokes,

That’s how much I love you.

I love you more than a bird can sing,

And more than a banger won’t start,

I love you as much as a wedding needs a ring,

And more than a horse pulls a cart.

I swear to you by the world at large,

For everyone to see,

As a sensible soldier hates the word “Charge!”

That’s how you’re loved by me.

(after Nash)