be all mine

I got the message that you were coming.

We're so excited! We've been watching for you all day!

How was your journey? I know the path can be long, and lonely. Even with companions, you're still all alone with your thoughts.

But where are my manners? Let's not stand out here talking; please, come inside!

You can freshen up, then we'll have dinner. Let me show you upstairs. 

Everything's all ready. We've been cooking for days!

I thought you might enjoy having dinner in the garden.

The others are already here. They're all so anxious to see you, they can hardly wait.

  I've arranged some fun for after dinner. I think you'll enjoy it.

But what's the matter? What do you mean you can't stay? You've only just arrived!

Well, if you must go, then take this with you. Hold onto it as long as you can, and it should see you safely to the far edge of the forest. From there you'll be on your own, so keep your wits about you, and don't dawdle. 

There's no time to linger. Night falls quickly when you've a long way to go through unfamiliar realms.

Be off!

Farewell and safe journey...

Witch-Wife

Edna St. Vincent Millay

She is neither pink nor pale,

And she never will be all mine; 

She learned her hands in a fairy-tale,

And her mouth on a valentine.

She has more hair than she needs;

In the sun ‘tis a woe to me!

And her voice is a string of coloured beads,

Or steps leading into the sea.

She loves me all that she can,

And her ways to my ways resign;

But she was not made for any man,

And she never will be all mine.