Longing

The Heart's Talk

I search for a face!
In whose glances the colors of my visions surge,
And into whose heart I pour the joy of my heart —
After him ... no wine is sweet in the mouth,
And no rapture
... How fair he is in his youth!

•

A victory ... and its glad tidings ring out without his voice?
The splendor of a wedding ... and his feet nowhere
in the courtyard?
In vain I deceive myself, in vain I lull my soul —
I search for a face ...
Whose cheek would caress my cheek,
In the rippling laughter,
And whose lashes would wipe my eyes,
In the aching blaze ..

•

The roads of my life are clamor, cymbals,
Cheering, singing, and dancing ...
Am I happy? Am I truly happy in my life?
To what melody shall I sing?
To what lute?
While in the depth of my being lies the desolation of a grave?
A love renewed?
A longing that returns!!..