Pride Month, and other Haibun - 7. Goethe to Behrisch

.

Goethe to Behrisch

Haibun

“Ha, Behrisch, here is one of those moments. You’re gone, and this paper is cold company compared to your arms. Oh, God, God….”[1]

Tod ist Trennung,

dreifacher Tod

Trennung ohne Hoffnung

wiederzusehn.

 

Death is parting;

a threefold death

is parting without hope

of reunion.

Gerne verließest du

dieses gehaßte Land,

hielte dich Freundschaft

mit Blumenfesseln an mir.

I know you’d gladly leave

this detested country,

if not for my friendship’s bond

in chains of blossoming links.

◇ ◇ ◇

Be callous!

A heart unmoved lightly

Is fitting tribute

To the uncaring ways of the Earth.

But Behrisch, your shining features

Need not be lit by the smile of spring,

Nor darkened by tempestuous

Frowns from wintertime.

Therefore do not lean upon

The anxiety-ridden breast of the girls,

Or within the moody arms of your brother

Who might bring you nothing but grief. [2]

~