Two Elegiac Couplets
i.
Stars all are born in a fire and a conflagration: so with us.
Your hands ache upon me. Set me ablaze in the night,
Lover, and keep me from my rest: I would rather lie waking
Than lose a moment of touch. I see you in all my dreams.
And you, lover, do you dream of me, too? Put your lips to mine—
I would have all of you; let us both go up in flames.
ii.
Recklessly I courted flames, but you would not allow me to burn out.
Terrified, I reached for you; you were reaching out as well.
Your heart, you call me, but how can that be so when mine is yours?
But hold me close to you. Here there is only ourselves.
And, at the bitter end, the cold stars may not know your name—but, love,
I did. I do. I will. Oh, my beloved, I have.