Love Songs

Day after day he comes and goes away.
Go, and give him a flower from my hair, my friend.
If he asks who was it that sent it,
I entreat you do not tell him my name --
For he only comes and goes away.

He sits on the dust under the tree.
Spread there a seat with flowers and leaves, my friend.
His eyes are sad, and they bring sadness to my heart.
He does not speak what he has in mind;
He only comes and goes away.

Do not go, my love, without asking my leave.
I have watched all night, 
and now my eyes are heavy with sleep;
I fear lest I lose you when I am sleeping.
Do not go, my love, without asking my leave.
I start up and stretch my hands to touch you.
I ask myself, "Is it a dream?"
Could I but entangle your feet with my heart,
And hold them fast to my breast!
Do not go, my love, without asking my leave.

Love, my heart longs day and night 
for the meeting with you -- for the meeting
that is like all devouring death. 

Sweep me away like a storm;
take everything I have; 
break open my sleep and plunder my dreams.
Rob me of my world. 

In that devastation, in the utter nakedness of spirit,
let us become one in beauty.
Alas for my vain desire! 
Where is this hope for union
except in thee, my God?