Ruth,

I've meant not

To 'cause you harm.

Or to confuse your heart

With my charm.

For my mother is set

To arrive here,

And I can't let it look

As if I'm not courting.

I know you may wonder

Why I didn't use you

Because I don't want

You to think

That I'm using you.

Please understand

That all I said

Is true.

And for you

My love remains the same.

Until my mother's departure

I'll have to keep

Playing this game.

~Love,

Alistair.