BEAT AGAINST ME NO LONGER
17
Be as the young silver birchIn the Moon-of-the-Green-Growing-Flowers—Who sings with the thrill of the sapAs it leaps to the south wind's caresses;Who yields her rain-swollen budsTo the kiss of the sun with glad dancing.Be as the cool tranquil moonWho flings off her silver-blue blanketTo bare her white breast to the pine;Who walks through the many-eyed nightIn her gleaming white nudenessWith proud eyes that will not look down.Be as the sun in her glory,Who dances across the blue day,And flings her red soul, fierce-burning,Into the arms of the twilight.Ai-yee! Foolish one, woman,Be as the sun and the moon!Cast the strange doubts from thy bosom!Wash the red shame from thy face!Thou art a woman, a woman!Beat against me no longer!Be not afraid of my eyes!
