First Truth

Elucidate your truth for me.

How can I know you who behold

Only the bright periphery?

Essentially unbought, unsold,

Yield your unrevealing kiss.

Not me your secret arms enfold

Though truthfully you murmur, 'This

Is an embodied truth you hold.'

I could forego the embodied truth

With all its warmth if I could find

The secret that your frightened youth

Buried one midnight in your mind.

If I could find first truth in you,

Let it be alien, cold, unkind,

I'd change it for this residue,

This bulk that leaves the spirit blind.