The Swedish poet Karin Boye

If there is a Swedish canon for poetry, this poem must be in there:

I would meet…

Upright, armed, encased in armour

I strode out -

though with chain-mail forged of shame and

fearful doubt.

I would cast aside my weapons,

sword and shield.

All the outer hostile husk that

kept me chilled.

I have seen the dry seeds at long

last unfurl.

I have seen the light-green leaves as

they uncurl.

Tender life has force with which no

iron contends,

surfacing from earth’s deep heart with

no defence.

Where I froze in winter wastes dawn

springs afresh.

I would meet life’s mighty forces

weaponless.

Here is the original. Click to enlarge.