Juana de Ibarbourou

THE HOUR
.
Take me now, while it is early
and I bear Dahlia buds in my hand.
.
Take me now while still
my hair is dark.
.
Now while I have fragrant flesh
and limpid eyes and rosy skin.
.
Now, while my nimble foot
wears the living sandal of spring.
.
Now, while on my lip is laughter
like a quickly shaken bell.
.
Afterwords...Oh! I know
that I will have none of these later.
.
And your desire then will be useless
like an offering placed in a tomb.
.
Take me now while it's still early
and my hands full of tuberoses.
.
Today, no later. Before night falls
and the flower's fresh center wilts.
.
Today, not tomorrow. Oh beloved can't you see
that the vine will become a cypress tree.