I MUST RISE, BATHSHEBA

I must rise to see

The shadow or shape

I need to rise

Straighten my neck

And slap the air

On tiptoe—I must rise

Should I call her

To see me rise

Again and again

Can she tempt me

Or should I tempt her

I will tempt her—on tiptoe

On this rooftop

I don’t need a bed or do I

For that shadow do I

I will baptize her

Again and again

On tiptoe—let me rise

Should I play the harp

For that shape

Will she break or dance

For my heart

Will she take my heart

If I give her—on tiptoe

I dare erase it all

The thought after the act

That is after rising

To view the stream

And the shape or shadow

After rising—on tiptoe