Longing: Talk of the Heart

I long... how I long for you!
In the drowsy half-light of evenings, and in the unknown deeps of the dark.
Your arm alone knows what tenderness wrapped my arm,
and your heart alone knows what fire blazed.
I swear it: you, you are my king—
O this one whom she loved!

I long... how I long for you!
Sweet companionship with the glow of dawn.
Teasing... and the secret converse of eyes!
And oh my fear, after so long an age, lest I have forgotten:—
the soul's rapture in the shadow of your eyes,
and the startled flight of the faithful spirit when your memory flashes in the mind—
I press my cheek against your breast,
and find myself in a world not my own!

Where are you, where are you from me,
O this one whom she loved?
Behind what veils?
I know... I know
how long, how often you were far!
My Lord, Your mercy, my Lord:
why did You not take lovers two by two,
so that there would remain on earth no one seared like me, prey to burning grief and longing!?