I. THE COVERLET

My cowardice

Covers me safely

From everything...

From cold, which makes me yield

And quietly die

Beneath the snow;

From heat, which makes me faint

Until cool nothingness receives me;

From hurt, ( Seize me, O Lion,

And I shall die of fright

Before I feel your teeth! )

From love,

Yes, most of all from love.

How can love touch me?

Is it not heat,

Or cold,

Or a lion?

My cowardice covers me

Safely

From everything!