PROXIMITY.

Portrait of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1749–1832
79The Poems

I KNOW not, wherefore, dearest love,

Thou often art so strange and coy When 'mongst man's busy haunts we move,

Thy coldness puts to flight my joy. But soon as night and silence round us reign, I know thee by thy kisses sweet again!

1789.*

Keep reading

Discover more of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s poetry.

Explore all poems

Readers

Reader discussion

Your turn

Shown with your comment.

Never published. Only so we can reach you.

Comments are read before they appear. See our terms.