Shadow Play (with apologies to Thomas Carew)

[RC James]

Drawn to a perfect silhouette 
effusive behind winsome veils, 
undeterred by dry etiquette, 
when the mystery source fails, 
the svelte lady may well outlive 
all rewards suitors might give. 
 
But a mind full seasoned and fine 
that delivers fresh thoughts pure, 
and fuses hearts free from the vine, 
is to any relentless pursuit inured. 
Intellect shows steady resistance 
to shows of dogged persistence.