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