Come as You Are

Come as you are; do not loiter over your toilet.

If your braided hair has loosened,if the parting of your hair be not straight, if the ribbons benot fastened, do not mind.

Come as you are; do not loiter over your toilet. Come, with quick steps over the grass. If thered come from your feet because of the dew,if the rings of bells upon your feet slacken, ifpearls drop out of your chain, do not mind. Come, with quick steps over the grass.Do you seethe clouds wrapping the sky? Flocks of cranes fly up from the further riverbank. The anxiouscattle run to their stalls in the village.

Do you see the clouds wrapping the sky? Come as you are; do not loiter over your toilet. Letyour work be. Listen, the guest has come. Do you hear, he is gently shaking the chain whichfastens the door? See that your anklets make no loud noise, and that your step is not over-hurried at meeting him.

Let your work be, the guest has come in the evening. It is the full moon on a night of April; shadows are pale in the court yard; the sky overhead is bright. Draw your veil over your face ifyou must, carry the lamp in the door if you fear.

Have no word with him if you are shy; stand aside by the door when you meet him. If he asksyou questions, and if you wish to, you can lower your eyes in silence. Do not let your braceletsjingle when, lamp in hand, you lead him in. Have you not finished your work yet? Listen, theguest has come.