THE SEA
Salt, bitter salt
the sea is, and clear and
cold.
Deep down, there’s much that
moulders,
the sea though cleanses all.
Wild, beast of prey wild
is the surf in its glittering
bound,
but no human thoughts have
ever
the sea-song’s full-bodied
sound.
Strong, endless and strong
is the mighty march of the
waves,
and strong with the unending
sea
each gentle transient wave.
So give your life to the sea.
There’s
life-blood required of a man,
though lastly, deep in the
depths, he
will gain rest that none
other can.
Karin Boye is fearfully difficult to translate, so this version may well see some alterations over the next few days.
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