Three Love Poems by Evan Mantyk

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Sonnet I

Our arms are leaves stretched out; our thoughts can bloom
The grandest only when we crowd out those
Who have been planted in a place of doom—
Perhaps for something only Heaven knows.

While growing up and finding our own way
In life, each cannot help but cast a mark
Of dread beneath a form that robs the day
From those we leave forgotten, low and dark.

But you and I, together we’ve grown up;
Our shadows constant trouble for each other
That’s made us stronger when they would disrupt
The lazy impulse that can slowly smother.

Our twining stems have made our shades our good
And show the Planter truly understood.

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Sonnet II

inspired by the American monarchy movement

I love the king—a human figure tied
From coast to coast while giant turning gears
Compel him with their force to choose the side
That to the soundest principles adheres.

His fortunes are the nation’s—he must act
To keep the land both strong and well preserved,
For it will be inherited, in fact;
His son will strive to make it well deserved.

They must directly through their bodies try
Reflecting in themselves God’s holy image.
Oh sure, they’ll sink but also they’ll rise high
And save us from the idiocrats who pillage

From our pockets for the latest trend—
True greatness isn’t what vagabonds intend.

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Sonnet III

Your body I behold; I feel, I yearn
To hold it close until I know its warmth
Which from afar already I discern
Is maddening perfection that is worth

Whatever it will take to be with you,
To make us one in tantalizing joy,
In harmony that whispers sweet and true.
I must try any trick or subtle ploy…

And now I have you. All I want is mine
Beneath your clothes and further, deeper still.
We are together and you’re… mostly fine:
You have a rash, your neck and joints feel ill.

The sicker that you feel the more I grow;
But don’t you love me—the tick you found below?

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Evan Mantyk teaches literature and history in New York and is Editor of the Society of Classical Poets.