VALENTINE'S NIGHT

You shadow and flame,

You interchange,

You death in the game!

Now I gather you up,

Now I put you back

Like a poppy in its cup.

And so, you are a maid

Again, my darling, but new,

Unafraid.

My love, my blossom, a child

Almost! The flower in the bud

Again, undefiled.

And yet, a woman, knowing

All, good, evil, both

In one blossom blowing.