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.