Do not keep to yourself

F. van Gompel

Do not keep to yourself the secret of your heart,

my friend!

Say it to me, only to me, in secret.

You who smile so gently,

softly whisper,

my heart will hear it,

not my ears.

The night is deep,

the house is silent,

the birds' nests are shrouded with sleep.

Speak to me

through hesitating tears,

through faltering smiles,

through sweet shame and pain,

the secret of your heart!