I told you that I would put this here!
Enjoy!
Russanya
Transfigured Night (Two Mortals)
by Richard Dehmel
Two people walk through a bare, cold grove;
The moon keeps pace and draws their gaze.
The moon passes over the tall oak trees,
No wisp of a cloud to dim heaven's light
Into which the black jagged tips reach up.
A woman's voice speaks:
I am carrying a child, but not by you;
I walk beside you in a state of sin.
I have done myself the most grievous wrong.
No longer did I believe in joy
And yet had a great desire
For a meaning to life, for a mother's joys
And duties; and so, with a shudder,
I allowed my sex to be held
In a stranger's embrace
And even thought myself blessed.
Now life has had its revenge:
Now I have met you! Yes, you!
She walks on, stumbling.
She gazes aloft, the moons keeps pace.
Her sombre gaze is drowned in the light.
A man's voice speaks:
May the child you've conceived
Not burden your soul.
See how brightly the universe shines!
Its radiance casts its halo around us!
You're drifting beside me upon a cold sea,
Yet there passes a glow of inmost warmth
From you to me, and from me to you.
That warmth will transfigure the stranger's child,
And you'll bear me that child, begot by me;
You've transfused me with radiance
And made me a child myself.
He puts his arms around her strong hips,
Their breath commingles in an airy kiss,
Two people walk on through the high, bright night!
Translation by Stewart Spencer