The man she craved was strong and wise, very like her father, A man who’d keep the night away, and always truly love her. The man she craved was young and bright, a bold and vibrant lover, Who’d bring her roses and champagne and write a sonnet for her. The man she craved would need her love, her caring and her passion, But give her room to be herself, and never ask her questions. The man she craved would give her love, in childlike devotion, But have the strength to tell her no, and save her from destruction. The man she craved would marry her, and give her darling children, Then raise them well, help them spell and read sweet stories to them. The man she craved would do his part by earning lots on money, Have a boat, two cars and more, and horses in the country. The man she craved would dance and sing, but know when to be quiet, And let her smell the flowers in spring, or buy a pretty bonnet. The man she craved knew all the arts, and how to thrive in business, And how to work in wood and steel, and just enough of science. The man she craved was young and old, a man of many wonders, A man unreal, for mortal men are men of many blunders, But though that man could not be real, the man she finally chooses Would in her eyes become that man, made real by love’s illusions