Monday, 13 May 2024

Tove Ditlevsen: 'Forårsnat'

 



 FORÅRSNAT

 

Nu sænker Gud sit ansigt over jorden,

det store hjerte banker ganske stille,

og se, hans pande mod hvis hvælv du hviler,

er kølig som en forårsnat i Norden

 

Og skærmende han lægger hånden over

den gode jord, han skabte i sin glæde.

Han græder over vågne, kolde sjæle

og kysser dyrene og børn, der sover.

 

O, lyt en kølig forårsnat i Norden.

Guds milde røst er vindens sagte susen,

og evighed er lagt i blomsterånde,

- nu sænker Gud sit ansigt over jorden.

 

 

SPRING NIGHT

 

Now God down to the earth his face is sinking,

his great heart’s beating, endless calm enshrining,

and see, his forehead’s vault where you’re reclining

is cool as is a northern night in springtime.

 

His hand shields everything that’s in his keeping,

the good earth he created in his gladness.

He weeps at cold souls’ lack of rest and sadness

and kisses beasts and children that lie sleeping.

 

Oh, listen, this cool northern night in springtime.

God’s mild voice is the wind’s caressing murmur,

eternity is laid in flowers’ soft breathing –

Now God down to the earth his face is sinking.

 

 

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