Rest

Rest! A guest for once. Not always having to be

one's own host with meager provisions.

Not always grasping at things with hostile feelings;

for once to let everything happen to oneself and to know -

whatever happens is fine.

Courage also needs to stretch itself

once in a while and relax

under the finery of silken blankets.

Not to be a soldier all the time.

To wear one's hair loosely

and the collar wide open

and to sit on silk armchairs

and everything to perfection:

the feeling after the bath.

To learn again what women are.

And how the white ones act,

and how the blue ones are;

what their hands are like,

how they sing their laughter,

when blond lads bring the beautiful bowls,

heavy with juicy fruits.