Abelard cries while he is writing

Far too long the time has been
and although I am looking
all of the time in my thoughts at you,
your image over time is fading,
like a very old painting
and in my thoughts there is disintegration.

The pain cuts right through me
and I must confess
that all of the time I am yearning for you,
even if I can only see you for moments,
I yearn to have you with me
and to hold onto you as my lawful wife.