We, unaccustomed to courage

exiles from delight

live coiled in shells of loneliness 

until love leaves its high holy temple 

and comes into our sight 

to liberate us into life.

Love arrives 

and in its train come ecstasies 

old memories of pleasure 

ancient histories of pain. 

Yet if we are bold, 

love strikes away the chains of fear 

from our souls.

We are weaned from our timidity 

In the flush of love’s light 

we dare be brave 

And suddenly we see 

that love costs all we are 

and will ever be. 

Yet it is only love 

which sets us free.