Why did he have such a rough picture of her? It was strange that he found it so difficult to comprehend women in the manifold ways of their humanity … - Lou Andreas-Salomé

If for years I was your wife, it was because in you I encountered what is real for the first time: body and person indistinguishably one, an undeniable fact of life itself. Word for word, I could have confessed what you had said in your declaration of love: ‘You alone are real.’ With that, we became spouses, even before we were friends, and we became friends hardly by choice, but rather from an unseen but already consummated marriage. Not two halves searching for one another: a startled wholeness that recognized, with a shudder, its own incomprehensible unity. And so, we were siblings – but as in previous times, before incest became a sacrilege.

Whatever happens to me -- I never lose the certainty that behind me arms are open to receive me.

As truly as I'd love a friend,
I always have loved you, riddling life,
whether I've laughed with you or wept,
whether you have brought me pleasure or strife.<p>Even in your sorrow I love you,
and, when you scatter me through space,
I will tear myself out of your arms
as a friend from a dear friend's embrace.<p>With all my strength I cling to you!
Let all your fire enkindle me.
Even in the heat of battle,
let me unravel your mysteries.<p>Thousands of years to live and think!
In your arms I long to remain.
And, when you have no more joy to give --
very well -- you still have your pain.