Deciphered

Her tests were long

and her riddles were cruel. 

He smiled and he bore it

like a carefree fool. 

But alone, he wept,

heart's river set free,

bursting out of its bounds --

mind tossed at sea.

She marked his work "F"

when it deserved a "B." 

She bestowed an "A"

when it called for a "C." 

She made no sense,

and he gave no sign

of love's fire burning

past reason or rhyme . . . 

while she gamely walked

a very fine line,

love twisting 'round

her heart like a vine. 

Into his eyes

she refused to look;

a declaration of love

his fear would not brook. 

'Round and 'round each spun

the other, insane

with love incognito,

consuming flame. 

Then, one fine day,

the spinning stopped: 

Into his arms,

mad schoolmistress dropped. 

He embraced her and asked,

"What 'grade' will this be?" 

She replied, looking stern,

"An 'F' or a 'D.'" 

With that, he knew

love had won the day --

and never again

did she give him an "A."