Der Lindenbaum [English translation]

Serenely, by the fountain,

There stands a linden tree.

Where often have I tarried

Transfixed in reverie.

Its bark bears the impression

Of my knife and sweetheart's name;

When filled with strange emotion

To muse there oft I came.

Thus forsooth was I persuaded

To pass that way late at night,

And, though submerged in darkness,

My eyes were screwed up tight.

I heard its branches rustle,

Such kindly cellulose!

Come! O weary journeyman!

And here may you find repose!

But then the wind blew lustily,

A gust full in my face;

My hat lost to the undergrowth;

My steps I’d not retrace.

Time has flowed since that encounter

And miles that now interpose,

But still I hear that whispering:

Here may you find your repose!

Since then for hours been wandering,

Long miles that interpose:

Come, o weary journeyman

Here may you find repose!

Here may you find repose!

©Thomas Beavitt 2017