Bend not to strife.

My only comfort a stone pillow
an empty heart and feelings hollow
no love to hold, emotions fallow
yet still I live in hope.

No fine looks to catch the girl
and kiss red lips on features pale
a lonely mate without a soul
but I will keep my faith.

No mother loving, father caring
my very being made for giving
all I own unfurled for sharing
and now I kneel to pray

that one day soon a girl will see
the loving caring inner me,
and two souls find serenity
in perpetuity.

Folk will say there goes a man
who still counts in the good Lord’s plan,
no lesser than or greater than
all souls who dream of love.

Such joy we’ll have, our hearts will sing
and loud the bells forever ring
while minstrels tell this tale in song
of love in Notre Dame.

Bend not to strife I say to you,
a love of God will see you through.
Have faith in him in all you do
and be a lucky man.

Hemp rope and bells he gave to me
and hunch-back bent eternally
but look again and you will see
God’s work in Notre Dame.

He blessed her eyes that she may see
this loving caring inner me
and I now have serenity
with God and Esmeralda.

No fine looks, I catch the girl
I kiss her lips on features pale
a lonely mate now with a soul,
my true love Esmeralda.