My Annabel Lee

It was many- not too many years ago
In this life being lived by me
That a maiden I bore whom we adore
By the name of Annabel Lee;
As a baby she lived with no other thought
Than to fuss and occupy me.

She was a child, not quiet or mild,
(As early teething was she!)
But my love for this dove was no simple love
That for my Annabel Lee -
No, consuming love- maternal love-
Had taken over me.

And this was the reason that, long ago,
In this life being lived by me,
A mighty sense of independence
Emerged in my Annabel Lee;
So that her far-flung fancies came
And bore her away from me,
She’s not gone astray; just borne away
From this life being lived by me.

Often contrary, my teen adversary
Forever challenging me
Yes!  That is the reason (of course, I know,
In this life being lived by me)
Her own point of view emerged as she grew
Headstrong, before long- my Annabel Lee.

But my love it is stronger by far than the love
Of some who are less sure than me-
Of many less trusting than me-
And neither friends or her highest ambitions
Nor proclivity to remain free
Can ever dissever my soul from the soul
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;

For wherever her dreams, carry her and the
schemes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
She’ll be back somewise and I’ll feel the bright eyes
Of the beautiful Annabel Lee;
And I hope that each year, there’s a social call here
From my darling- my darling- my daughter, my dear,
In her life separated from me-
In her life once nurtured by me.