Sarojini Naidu

A Persian Love Song

The Bird of Time

O Love! I know not why, when you are glad,

Gaily my glad heart leaps.

Love! I know not why, when you are sad,

Wildly my sad heart weeps.

 

I know not why, if sweet be your repose,

My waking heart finds rest,

Or if your eyes be dim with pain, sharp throes

Of anguish rend my breast.

 

Hourly this subtle mystery flowers anew,

O Love, I know not why . . .

Unless it be, perchance, that I am you,

Dear love, that you are I!