Saturday 16 March 2019

Inger Hagerup: 'Vi holder livet' in English translation

VI HOLDER LIVET

Vi holder livet i en knyttet hånd.
Vårt hjerte må bestandig ha det sånn.

Det tåler gjerne spott og overlast
når bare det får holde noe fast.

En mann, et barn, en drøm skal være vår
og evigheten måles ut i år.

For i vår gåtefulle, blinde angst
blir alle ting erobring eller fangst.

Vi bærer skrekken med oss natt og dag,
den bleke skrekk for hjertets nederlag.


LIFE WITH A CLENCHED FIST 

Life with a clenched fist we hold onto tight.
For every heart this is a constant plight.

It copes with mockery and overload
as long as it has something firm to hold.

For husband, child or dream we persevere –
eternity’s but measured year by year.

For out of our quite blind and baffling fear
all’s viewed as catch and conquest crystal clear.

Our dread we bear within us night and day
the pale dread of our heart as helpless prey.


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