I have fetched the tears up out of the little wells
Scooped them up with small, iron words
Dripping over the runnels

The harsh, cold wind of my words drove on, and still
I watched the tears on the guilty cheek of the men
Glitter and spill

Close your eyes and see what’s behind you
Let your pain not guide you to nothing
Make your sacrifice for the living
Step outside the fire that burns you

Cringing pity, and love, white-handed, came
Hovering about the judgment which stood in my eyes
Whirling a flame

Like a flower that the frost has hugged and let go
My head is heavy, and my heart beats slowly
My strength is shed

The tears are dry, and the cheeks’ young fruits are fresh
With laughter, and clear the exonerated eyes, since pain
Beat through the flesh

The angel of judgment has departed again to the nearness
Desolate I am as a church whose lights are put out
And night enters in dreariness

Close your eyes and see what’s behind you
Let your pain not guide you to nothing
Make your sacrifice for the living
Step outside the fire that burns you

The fire rose up in the bush and blazed apace
The thorn-leaves crackled and twisted in anguish
Then god left the place

Like a flower that the frost has hugged and let go
My head is heavy, and my heart beats slowly
My strength is shed