38

Love's bond is broken.
The heart's high
passion has waned.
Even truth is a ghost
when that man
walks past like someone unkown.
Days long vanished rise up
dear friend to haunt me
and why this heart
doesn't splinter into a hundred shards
who can tell?

52

Unhappy women
have used tears, threatening oaths,
even collapse
to prevent a lover
from traveling.
Darling, I'm a pluckier girl.
Good luck and for your
early departure
I hope an auspicious day.
After you're gone you may hear
what I see fit to do with my
love life.

66

Tell you a secret—
he called me to a secluded seat.
My childlike curious heart fluttered
drawing near.
He spoke in my ear
breathed near my mouth
then, friend, he seized these braids
and sucked the
honey off my lips.