The Burden of Life
The burden of life!
I loved bearing it, just like you,
hearing it grow inside me,
in living flesh.
I didn't only want
to open your wound,
I didn't only want
the patient vocation of a labourer:
I wanted the earth's vocation too,
which also is yours.
Treat love like a profession,
to be practised with great care.
Repeat to perfection
as often as necessary,
until it lasts
and everything inside
is in the right place.
Let the sun rise into the night.
Never let love become a leftover, a memory.
The literal translation of this poem was made by Stefan Tobler
The final translated version of the poem is by The Poetry Translation Workshop
© Poetry Translation Centre 2004-2012
Jay says:
An exquisite poem, absolutely beautiful
jessica white says:
i love this poem! Amazing and emotional, it's a really beautiful poem.