Night on an Island

All night I have slept with you 
Next to the sea, on the island. 
Wild and sweet you were between pleasure and sleep, 
Between fire and water. 

Perhaps very late 
Our dreams joined 
At the top or at the bottom, 
Up above like branches moved by a common wind, 
Down below like red roots that touch. 

Perhaps your dream 
Drifted from mine 
And through the dark sea 
Was seeking me 
As before, 
When you did not yet exist, 
When without sighting you 
I sailed by your side, 
And your eyes sought 
What now – 
Bread, wine, love, and anger – 
I heap upon you 
Because you are the cup 
That was waiting for the gifts of my life. 

I have slept with you 
All night long while 
The dark earth spins 
With the living and the dead, 
And on waking suddenly 
In the midst of the shadow 
My arm encircled your waist. 
Neither night nor sleep 
Could separate us. 

I have slept with you 
And on waking, your mouth, 
Come from your dream, 
Gave me the taste of earth, 
Of sea water, of seaweed, 
Of the depths of your life, 
And I received your kiss 
Moistened by the dawn 
As if it came to me 
From the sea that surrounds us.