LOVE IS AN EMBER SMOULDERING UNSEEN

After Luís Vaz de Camões

Love is an ember smouldering unseen;
a wound that agonises, yet’s not sensed;
a contentment that always discontents;
an ache that rages on, but never hurting;

a yearning for nothing else except to yearn;
an always total solitude within the crowd;
the joyful feeling that never is enjoyed;
a passion that in losing only wins ;

enslaved in chains forged from your own free will;
the honeyed victory of serving in defeat;
unwavering loyalty to your killer,

a paradox of self-contradiction:
how can Love, when it wants, bring hearts,

together in sympathy? It’s crucifixion.

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