The love of my life was always true.

With him, I felt safe for I always knew,

His touch was gentle, but there was strength in his arm.

He’d slay a dragon to keep me from harm.

‘Twas Valentine’s Day, full of love, lust, and ale,

In the house where I worked, a woman for sale.

I sang songs of love, with my bosom bared,

There were tears in my eyes, but no one cared.  

On this day of romance, I faced the specter of rape,

Groped by two louts, I saw no escape.

As they tore at my clothes, no one came to my aid.

They were hulking brutes, all were afraid.

“Unhand her, you swine!” came a voice with no fear,

It was a callow young stranger and he pulled me clear.

I had nothing to give him, he had nothing to gain,

Save the thanks of a tart and the risk of great pain.

The love of my life was always true.

With him, I felt safe for I always knew,

His touch was gentle, but there was strength in his arm.

He stood there exuding both menace and charm.

The crowd mocked us and jeered us, much to my dismay.

“A sailor and a chippy!” We were such a cliché.

“Leave me, good sir, I’ve done this before.

If you were harmed, it would hurt me much more.”

“I’m a courtesan, this is my lot.

I give men what they want, I’ve been carefully taught.

Some are kind, but most are rough.

So my skin is soft, but my spirit is tough.”

The love of my life was always true.

With him, I felt safe for I always knew,

His touch was gentle, but there was strength in his arm.

I saw I’d upset him; he looked so forlorn.

The lad did not heed me, he drew his cutlass,

And spoke in a tone as brittle as glass.

“As you mauled this young lass, how did you feel?

Like courageous heroes? Now try my steel.”

Then he fought them both, contempt on his face.

And I wished he’d never come to this place.

For I’d rather have taken them both to my bed,

Than see his shirt stained bloody red.

The love of my life was always true.

With him, I felt safe for I always knew,

His touch was gentle, but there was strength in his arm.

Now I feared for my darling, my face showed alarm.

He slew the one, but the other did slash,

And laid open his shoulder, it was deep gash.

He staggered, vulnerable, his life on the line,

So I tried to shield his body with mine.

 “Your sex won’t protect you,” so shouted the knave.

As he thrust his sword, I tried to be brave;

I closed my eyes, heard my pounding heartbeat

So I did not see the stranger's great feat.

The love of my life was always true.

With him, I felt safe for I always knew,

His touch was gentle, but there was strength in his arm.

Though sorely wounded, he still kept me from harm.

With his blood spattered over what was left of my dress,

I helped him shuffle out, it was a slow process.

Back in my chambers, I nursed him for weeks.

Till I brought back the roses to his healthy young cheeks.

Said he, “I’ve put enough money aside.

To set us up and make you my bride.

One last voyage for spices will pay a king’s ransom,

And we’ll redeem your freedom from your madam.

The love of my life was always true.

With him, I felt safe for I always knew,

His touch was gentle, but there was strength in his arm.

Said he’d miss me and kissed me and sailed off for Oram.

I watched his ship borne away on the tide.

As it grew smaller, I cried and I cried.

For in my heart, I nursed a huge dread.

“Don’t make me a lady, just stay in my bed.”

The days became months, the months became years.

As my hopes dwindled, I was tormented by fears.

Storms? Pirates? Was he drowned or slain?

I still mourn him, for I never saw him again.

The love of my life was always true.

With him, I felt safe for I always knew,

His touch was gentle, but there was strength in his arm.

He’s gone but his spirit still keeps me warm.