GUNN'S 16...

She trembles slightly: her flesh feels
hardly strong enough for the
weight of white lace which seems
to overwhelm her

in her shy smile choice meets
delight which is fair and fragile

She is giving herself
in trust so complete. so
vulnerable to
the attack of happiness that you
catch your breath at the risk
yet waiting
she bears the lace like
her own tender handmaiden
how clear, how soft, and how firm

Thom Gunn