Sophie

I saw her across a crowded room

At a Christmas party in Montreal

Wild nest of blonde hair, an accent and a limp

She was a stranger and she had it all

She saw me at the same moment

She said she was transfixed too

She took me home that night, wouldn't say no

Said I was one of the few

Who would see the inside of her bedroom

Who would trace the scar from her hip to her knee

Who would be treated to her dance of the veils

And the real Sophie would see

All was as promised, the veils came off

But what Sophie wanted wasn’t love

It was pain, real pain she longed for

Blows raining down from above

All I wanted to do was hold her and stroke her

To quell the bursting in my heart

For I was absolutely smitten with her

I knew the lines, but couldn't play the part

I can’t hurt someone I love and trust

I want to protect and adore

But Sophie didn’t respond to adoration

Only to bondage, pain and more

We drove out to the country

Had a picnic in a field

I tried one last time to love her

But she’d lost interest, wouldn’t yield

I haven’t seen Sophie in 35 years

I imagine she’s a successful designer

Or a well-kept wife, a concubine

With a lover who will lovingly harm her

I saw her across a crowded room

At a Christmas party in Montreal

Wild nest of blonde hair, an accent and a limp

She was a stranger and she had it all