It was not grace that taught my heart to fear.
Fear was not natural to my native soul.
Life was adventure; I was free, and whole;
I drifted with the tides each changing year;
What came, I met with equanimity.
Even toward death, I felt no terror sway;
I liked to live—it was the price to pay;
And that was fair enough, it seemed to me.

But then love came. And now I am afraid.
Now I have known the sickened, sudden drop,
I've felt the world and all the planets stop.
Now I have set my heart beneath the blade.
Now death's too high a price; I love and grieve.
Love taught me fear. Come, love: my fears relieve.