1. When I saw someone approach me in the dark,
My longing quickened its pace to meet him.

2. A glance shone from him, inclined with grace,
Before it vanished into the horizon's seam.

3. Whenever I spoke he came and went away,
Though he shed some dim light, it darkened my day.

4. I imagined him hurrying, aflame and awake,
Or with a look of wonder, smiling in his gait,

5. Or a coward, recoiling from his daring,
Or with a tongue that stammered over sharing,

6. Or virtuous and devout, of modesty full,
Whenever he thought of sin, regretting in pull,

7. Or a sword he once wielded, now turned away,
Or an eloquent youth, grown inarticulate today.

8. He’s the one who deserted his own lies,
And turned back from all he owed in his eyes.

9. The horizon yellowed, so we said: “Look!
The sky is raining blood upon the earth.”

10. My sickness had left my body,
So lightning adorned my frame, no longer sickly.