Benny Andersen: Little Song for Nina

LITTLE SONG FOR NINA

My life is but a can of beer,

Deposit paid am I,

except when you are oh so near,

you envoy from on high.

My navel’s flab, my belly’s girth,

whose growth I daily fear,

you swear are things of greatest worth –

to me you’re always dear!

But how can ever I extol

your figure without flaw?

I drink your body of its soul

in hipflask swigs galore.

You are my life, my daily bread,

You are my dearest dear.

I’m but a bloke who’s overfed,

who’s standing far too near.

I know that this is of the past.

Another’s your sweet dear.

But you have taught me love at last,
to me you’re always near.