XXXIII REMORSE

AT first I did not reply; shame flushed upon my cheeks, and the beatings of my heart hurt my breasts.

Then I resisted, I said: “No. No.” I turned away my head and the kiss did not open my lips, nor love my fast closed knees.

Then he begged my forgiveness, he kissed my hair, I felt his burning breath, and he departed.... Now, I am alone.

I regard the empty place, the deserted wood, the trampled earth. And I bite my fingers until they bleed and smother my cries in the grass.