Azure-land, or rose in sand
Ave Maria, Virgin immaculate!
As, after rain, a rose in sand!
Lifes path is a mirage I battle at,
The faraway skys far azure-land.
Mountain chasms are wrapped in half-light.
Can I believe another dawn likely?
Worn out with wine and sleepless nights,
Weary as woman, Ill go to the icons.
Worn out with sleepless nights and with wine,
Collapsed on the altar Ill free my soul.
A beam will shine and cut into Sion,
Irradiate the priests white stole.
Then shall I say: Here I am, hearken:
From gardens of dreams a wounded swan.
Look down, be comforted, maidenly Parca
With agonized face and hands that are wan.
Look down. Be comforted. My eyes, once bright,
Used to pulse with dew and violets,
Worn out with wine and sleepless nights,
Now weep a threnody of vengeful violence.
Be comforted then Must every poet
Waiting for thee surrender utterly?
My soul is stunned: prayers destroy it,
It dies at your feet, a short-lived butterfly.
Where shall I find a fair redress?
What soul is certain to be well?
From Dante Alighieris paradise
Im barred by purgatory and hell.
And when on a road accursed by fate
I finally see the shade of death,
At the last communion rite
The grave will give me rest at last.
Ave Maria, Virgin immaculate!
As, after rain, a rose in sand,
Lifes path is a marriage I battle at,
The faraway skys far azure-land.
1917