Edith Södergran: 'Jag såg ett träd...'

 

I SAW A TREE...

 

I saw a tree that was larger than all the others

and laden with inaccessible cones;

I saw a large church with open doors

and all who came out were pale and strong

and ready to die;

I saw a woman, made-up and smiling, who

cast dice for her happiness

and saw that she lost.

 

A circle was drawn round these things

that nobody ever crosses.