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.