In a Boat, by D. H. Lawrence

 

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?