A girl and a cow – vintage photograph, restored, date unknown.

’I want to say it, and I will:— You are as sour as you are sweet, And sweeter than the daffodil

That blossoms at your feet.

You are as plain as you are fair;

And though I hate, I love you still, And so—confound you, darling! There!—I want to say it, and I will!

I want to ask it, and I do

Demand of you a perfect trust,—But love me as I want you to

You must, you minx !—you must! You blight and bless me, till I swear

And pray—chaotic even as you.—

I curse—Nay, dear,—I kiss you. There !—

I want to, and I do!’

—James Whitcomb Riley