Springtime (Translated by Charles Guenther) from Issue 53
More violent than war, the awe and fright
When like a giant hawk hovering aloof
The ominous bomber pauses in its flight,
Then dips and plunges toward the helpless roof.
Now in the wind the meadow grasses bend
And the black polar sprouts its vivid green,
And melting snow drops from the boughs to blend
With ashen earth, and sunlight may be seen.
As seas and mountains rumble and one hears
The sirens shriek, and sees the aircraft’s wild
Swift streak against the blue, above that din
How keenly penetrates into our ears,
Immortal goddess, persevering child,
The piercing sweetness of your violin!