For Keeps

You do not keep her in a certain place
Nor promise to keep ahold just to let go
When better days seem past

No, you do not dangle a love like a carrot
Jerkin' her heart on a dried blooded string
For your own discontent to settle

There are no absolute must haves
or things you gotta buy in order to keep passion flowing
She does not have to writhe within an already shaped cage

Whether too tight, loose or with another woman
or constantly molded to fit increasing hungers
No, she does not have to burn because you been burnt

She offers herself to open hands that cup
Each of you will return and stay in the changing tides
No quarter on a string
No quarter on a string

Because in a place that is real
There need to be no prices paid
And both involved are not up for keeps
For keeps when they are not ready,

for keeps.