Talk of the Heart — Sunrise

Here is my hand... kiss it,
and ward off from me the poisons of the glance.
A lifetime's companionship... do not squander it.
Beware the temptress... my friend,
and wipe away the stubborn reproach.
Is any mortal, in this world, proof
against a passing whim?

★

Before you, no eye had roamed
over my face,
nor had any conscience pierced the horizons
of my soul.
You knew me...
in childhood, girlhood, and youth —

Pure, with the Virgin's purity,
are my intentions;
no sin or suspicion touches them...

★

Do not say: I have changed...
I have turned your love to hate.
You are deluded...
How quickly the pensive gaze
gives you the lie,
and the sullen, balky mouth.
You love me...
What use is your straying... and the knitting
of the brow?
Here is my hand... kiss it.
...And rise, shine anew.