I am tonight a lover, learning to hold on.
I have forgotten what it's like: to love and to hold on.
The bottom of the teacup shines. Brilliant, I call it.
And the warmth I feel from it proves I must hold on.
There is no moon tonight, but the stars are there.
I wonder where it went, why it did not hold on.
No, no sadness mars my eyes, no mascara runs.
I cling to silken handkerchiefs, fiercely I hold on.
No pain call himself the winner-- not tonight, not tonight.
I am above the carnal. Let ache never hold on.
Memory's a blessing, memory's a curse.
I don't want to remember-- to that I don't hold on.
You sent a messenger or two. They came and made me smile.
Sometimes I think despite the fear you want me to hold on.
I try. You know I do. Some days I cannot.
I suffer no insanity. But barely I hold on.
Did you know that I was slipping? I was not so sure.
You came and gently whispered a reminder to hold on.
Don't ask it of me. I cannot-- anchor me steadfast.
You know full well my weakness. 'Tis you I must hold on.
The ache and gentle darkness bids me rather wilt.
If you promise life to me, the flower will hold on.
postscript
For the sake of something different, I tried a ghazal. I didn't adhere as strictly to the rhythm as I should have, however.