Except

I would have loved you
If not for the tenderness in
Your voice
That bids me rest
My weary head
From the wars waged within

I would have loved you
If not for the angel eyes
That reflect the better parts of
Me
And make me see in their mirror
The person I could be

I would have fallen
If not for your
Near perfection
That reminds me
Of the divine heights
One could aspire to
In this life

I would have loved you
Had I not known
I would be held captive
By this emotion
Tied to you
For the rest of time
And when time ends,
The moments after that

I could not be tied
I cannot be a prisoner
When I know that
Time is not on my side
And there is only one life to live
And it cannot be lived
Enslaved
Captivated
By one who is a lesser god.