See the stars, love,
In the water much clearer and brighter
Than those above us, and whiter,
Like nenuphars!
Star-shadows shine, love:
How many stars in your bowl?
How many shadows in your soul?
Only mine, love, mine?
When I move the oars, see
How the stars are tossed,
Distorted, even lost!
Even yours, do you see?
The poor waters spill
The stars, waters troubled, forsaken! —
The heavens are not shaken, you say, love;
Its stars stand still.
There! did you see
That spark fly up at us? even
Stars are not safe in heaven!
What of me then, love, me?
What then, love, if soon
Your star be tossed over a wave?
Will the darkness look like a grave?
Would you swoon, love, swoon?