“This love older than I by myriad”

The speaker expresses that the love being discussed is much older than they are, spanning countless centuries.

“Saddened centuries was once a prayer”

The speaker suggests that over the centuries, this love has become a source of sorrow. Initially, it was like a prayer, something sacred and cherished.

“In his bones that made them grow in years of”

The love is described as residing in the bones of the person the speaker loves, influencing their growth during their adolescent years.

“Adolescence to this favored height; yes,”

The love has played a role in the growth and development of the person from adolescence to a state of favor or special significance.

“It was my desire that made him male”

The speaker claims responsibility for the transformation of the loved one into a male, suggesting the shaping power of their desire.

“And beautiful, so that when at last we”

The desire made the loved one not only male but also beautiful. The speaker reflects on the moment when they finally met.

“Met, to believe that once I knew not his”

When they met, it was hard for the speaker to believe that there was a time when they didn’t know the physical form of the loved one.

“Form, his quiet touch, or the blind kindness”

The speaker lists elements of the loved one they didn’t know before: their physical appearance, the gentle touch, and their kind nature.

“Of his lips was hard indeed. Betray me?”

The speaker finds it difficult to believe that they were once unfamiliar with the loved one’s lips, and then poses a question about potential betrayal.

“Yes, he can, but never physically”

Affirming that betrayal is possible, but it won’t be physical; instead, it will occur through other means.

“Only with words that curl their limbs at”

The betrayal mentioned earlier will occur through words that contort or twist like limbs in response to the touch of air.

“Touch of air and die with metallic sighs.”

Words, influenced by the air, will die with a metallic sound, suggesting the impact and finality of hurtful words.

“Why care I for their quick sterile sting, while”

The speaker questions why they should care about the fast and painless hurt caused by words.

“My body’s wisdom tells and tells again”

The speaker values the wisdom of their body, which repeatedly communicates a deeper understanding.

“That I shall find my rest, my sleep, my peace”

The body’s wisdom assures the speaker that they will find comfort, rest, and peace despite potential betrayal.

“And even death nowhere else but here in”

The speaker believes that ultimate peace, even death, can only be found in the arms of the one who may betray them.

“My betrayer’s arms…”

The poem concludes with a reference to finding solace in the arms of the person who may betray them, using the term “betrayer” to acknowledge the potential for hurt in the relationship.