Monday, August 7, 2006

I Can't Hold You And I Can't Leave You

"I can't hold you and I can't leave you,

and sorting the reasons to leave you or hold you,

I find an intangible one to love you,

and many tangible ones to forego you.

As you won't change, nor let me forego you,

I shall give my heart a defense against you -

so that half shall always be armed to abhor you

whilst the other be ready to adore you.

Then, if our love, by loving flourish,

let it not in endless fueding perish;

let us speak no more in jealousy and suspicion.

He offers not part, who would all receive -

so know that when it is your intention,

mine shall be to make believe."

Sr. Juana Ines de la Cruz  c. 1670

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lovely poem Cathy - I remember reading it many years ago at school. How did you come across it?
Kate.
http://journals.aol.co.uk/bobandkate/AnAnalysisofLife/

Anonymous said...

Nice entry!
Hugs, Sug

Anonymous said...

I found this entry rather sad.  It reminds me of the old movie, "The Way We Were" when Barbara Streistand and Robert Redford loved each other so much, and yet, they could not be together.  I see that this writer loved deeply, but was geared to protect her heart to the end.  "I can't hold you and I can't leave you. . . . ."  I admit that I am just one of those sensitive individuals that loves to see happy endings. (wink)
Gem

Anonymous said...

just dropping in to see how you are doing

Kathy

Anonymous said...

I liked your poem, luddie keep putting them in here but most of all write them, as well.

TreesRGreen78

Anonymous said...

nice poem Cathy! hugs,nat

Anonymous said...

Wow... beautiful.. thank you for sharing!

be well,
Dawn

Anonymous said...

Awesome
Barb