Come

Come as you are, not over your mind. If your braiding has come loose, if the parting of your hair be not straight, if the ribbons of your hair be not fastened, do not mind. Come as you are, not over your mind. Come with quick steps over the grass. If your anklets slacken, if your feet are pale with dew, if pearls drop out of your chain, do not mind. Come with quick steps over the grass. Do you see the clouds wrapping the sky? Flocks of cranes fly up from the further river bank and fitful gusts of wind rush over the heath. The anxious cattle run to their stalls in the village. Do you see the clouds wrapping the sky? In vain you light your minds lamp; It flickers and goes out in the wind. Surely, who would know that with lamp-black your eyelids are not touched? For your eyes are darker than rain clouds. In vain you light your minds lamp; It goes out. Come as you are, not over your mind. If wreath is not woven, if the wrist-chain has not been tied, leave it by. The sky is overcast with clouds; it is late............. Come as you are my love, not over your mind.