"The Poet's Corner..."

 

"Love's Counterfeits"

Martha Lavina Hoffman

True love is like a coin, changeless and pure,

Bright from the mint of virtuous affection,

Whose solid worth lies in its gold secure

Stamped with the soul's reflection;

Through Time may mar with rude and hasty hands

Its brilliancy and beauty,

Its gold unspoiled beneath the surface stands

Alloyed with common duty.