Edith Södergran: Poems
I.
The day turns cool towards evening…
Drink the warmth of my hand,
my hand has the warm blood of springtime.
Take my hand, take my white arm,
take the longing of my shoulders…
Wondrous to feel,
one sole night, a night like this,
your heavy head on my breast.
II.
You threw the red rose of your love
into my white lap –
in my smoldering hands I squeeze
the red rose of your love that withers soon…
Oh, you cold-eyed ruler,
I accept the crown you hand me,
that bends my head down towards my heart…
III.
I saw my master for the first time today,
trembling I recognized him immediately.
Now I already feel his heavy hand
on my light arm…
Where is my chiming virgin-laughter,
my woman-freedom with raised brow?
Now I already feel his firm grasp
around my trembling body,
now I hear reality’s harsh tone
against my fragile, fragile dreams.
IV.
You sought a flower
and found a fruit.
You sought a spring
and found a sea.
You sought a woman
and found a soul –
you feel betrayed.