A Prayer to Life

Indeed, I love you life, as friend
Loves friend, in all your mystery-
Whether I wept or laughed again,
Whether you brought me joy or pain.

I love you even for the harm you do;
And if you must destroy me,
I'll tear myself away from you
As I would leave a friend.

I embrace you with all my might!
Let your flames set me on fire,
And in the glow of that last fight
I will explore your riddle's depths.

To be for centuries! to live!
Wrap your arms about me once again:
If you have no more joy to give me-
At least you still grant pain.

- Lou Andreas-Salome