A Love Lesson

Last night I dreamed of the maid with yellow curls.

She came to me in the room above my shop,

And we two were alone, freed from the laws of day.

I held her then to myself.

I took from her her clothing, garment by garment,

And watched them fall about her feet,

White petals of a flower.

And I drew from her to myself her thoughts, one by one,

As often I had wished, till all of her was mine.

Then I was sad, for nothing was left to love.

And I quickly clothed her again, garment by garment,

And gave her back her thoughts, one by one,

And awoke in joy.

I was glad that the dream was a dream,

And that all of her was not mine;

For I had learned

That love released from bond, and unburdened of its fetters,

Is love no longer.