A Valentine from Emily Dickinson

I give my Love - without a flinch -
The Diffidence - of Bloom
And hope - that He - in quick Response -
Will furnish - Me - the Same

Emollient - although I seem -
And not with Hope - Suffused -
Should he accept this flower now -
My Heart - this Fruit - 'tis Bruised

With Hope - Unfounded - I persist -
'Til Passion's Taste - is mine -
And though I may be - all too Plain -
Yet - be my - Valentine

From Send-Up

A Valentine from Emily Dickinson