Should the Night
Should the night approach your window— go to him naked. He will flow and darken gently around your hushing beauty, and touch the line of your breasts. I will stand with him, lost and mutely yearning: come to our darkness. And your eyes will travel ahead of us giving light for me and my friend. 1923 —Translated from Hebrew by Leon Wieseltier. This poem appeared in the June 7, 2012 issue of the magazine. READ MORE >>
How, Beloved
How, beloved, can I watch you stand alone in sorrow’s storms, and my heart not tremble? Already a profound night, blacker than the black of your eyes, falls silently upon the universe. Already it has touched your curls-- Rise up. My hand will hold your dreaming hand and lead you slowly in between the nights. Through the pale mists of childhood my father thus guided me to the house of worship. 1923 READ MORE >>
