Mad Hope

In what language can I speak,
to make you understand
just how deeply I love you—
this me loving you!

With what melody, what refrain
can I tell you
how much I seek you out
in playful quarrels and teasing!

In what web of enchantment
do I wrap you close,
how fiercely do I hold you
safe within my arms!

In what trick of the eye
do I lose you,
how do I turn my gaze away
from the borders of those two eyes!

Like some fierce sudden storm wind swooping down,
in that wild trance, losing all fear, I reach to touch you today,
driven by a mad hope to have you, to hold you,...
How can I truly make you understand—just how tightly I bind you in my heart!