Today, it is the first of March and officially the first day of spring. I can't think of a better day for Karin Boye's poem Yes, of course it hurts. One of the most quoted poems in Sweden, it is a touching and insightful allegory of one's search for perfection and insecurity in front of the unknown. *
Yes, of course it hurts
when buds start bursting.
Why otherwise would spring hesitate?
Why would all our fiery longing
be bound in winter's frosty haze?
Yet, the casing held the bud all winter.
What is this new that chafes and breaks?
Yes, of course it hurts
when buds start bursting,
hurts what grows
and hurts what wanes.
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- Karen Boye, from collection "För trädets skull", 1936 -
*As I've always loved this poem, I decided to translate it myself. The Swedish original poem, two English translations and much more about Karin Boye can be found here. The light will be back soon - I can't wait...
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Finaste vårdikten är den, fint inlägg!
ReplyDeleteHär tvekar våren minst sagt frost, och marken är som betong, längtar efter plusgrader. kram Sophia