My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face,let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely. (Song of Songs 2:14)

The Lover responds.

If we seek a spiritual reading, the Lover - our God - speaks of us much as we often speak of God.

Where are you hiding? Show me your face. Let me hear your voice.

Might the absence we sometimes feel be from our own hiding?

We cannot successfully hide from God. But we can try to hide even while in plain sight.

Similarly we seek to conceal much from our earthly lovers, seldom with more success.

Love - true love - requires being open, which requires courage.