The Sky with All its Stars

When she passed by me with quick steps, 
the end of her skirt touched me.
From the unknown island of a heart 
came a sudden warm breath of spring.
A flutter of a flitting touch brushed me 
and vanished in a moment, 
like a torn flower petal blown in the breeze.
It fell upon my heart like a sigh 
of her body and whisper of her heart.

It was in May.  The sultry noon seemed endlessly long.
The dry earth gaped with thirst in the heat.

When I heard from the riverside a voice calling, "Come, my darling!"

I shut my book and opened the window to look out.

I saw a big buffalo with mud-stained hide, standing near the river 
with placid, patient eyes; and a youth, knee deep in water, 
calling it to its bath.

I smiled amused and felt a touch of sweetness in my heart.

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.

If you would have it so, 
  I will end my singing.
If it sets your heart aflutter, 
  I will take away my eyes from your face.
If it suddenly startles you in your walk, 
  I will step aside and take another path.
If it confuses you in your flower-weaving, 
  I will shun your lonely garden.
If it makes the water wanton and wild,
  I will not row my boat by your bank.

Then finish the last song 
and let us leave.
Forget this night when the night is no more.
Whom do I try to clasp in my arms?  
Dreams can never be made captive.
My eager hands press emptiness 
to my heart and it bruises my breast.

I would ask for still more, if I had the sky with all its stars,
and the world with its endless riches; but I would be content 
with the smallest corner of this earth if only she were mine.