Bleib bei mir als wärst Du

lang für mich da

lass wachsen dein weisses

in meinem Haar

Lieb mich als ob

das gut für dich wär

als gäben wir

Leben um Leben her

Ertrag mich als trügest

du nicht zu schwer

behüt mich als ob

ich verloren wär.

(Ulla Hahn)

Having Come This Far

I've been through what my through was to be

I did what I could and couldn't

I was never sure how I would get there

I nourished an ardor for thresholds

for stepping stones and for ladders

I discovered detour and ditch

I swam in the high tides of greed

I built sandcastles to house my dreams

I survived the sunburns of love

No longer do I hunt for targets

I've climbed all the summits I need to

and I've eaten my share of lotus

Now I give praise and thanks

for what could not be avoided

and for every foolhardy choice

I cherish my wounds and their cures

and the sweet enervations of bliss

My book is an open life

I wave goodbye to the absolutes

and send my regards to infinity

I'd rather be blithe than correct

Until something transcendent turns up

I splash in my poetry puddle

and try to keep God amused.

(James Broughton)