The poem
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, love, See how the stars are tossed, Distorted, the brightest lost. -So that bright one of yours, love.
The poor waters spill The stars, waters broken, 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 yours, then, love, yours?
What then, love, if soon Your light be tossed over a wave? Will you count the darkness a grave, And swoon, love, swoon?