A glance

But yesterday, renouncing happiness,

I scorned contented souls who held love dear,

And who exchanged the autumn's fog and chill

For the spring sun's caressing warmth and cheer.

I said that while the world is full of tears,

And dense, unbroken darkness reigns around

It were a shame to dream of ease and bliss

Within one's own home-corner to be found,

But lo! to-day the golden-shining Spring,

Flower-clad, has glanced in at my window too;

And my tired heart beat rapidly, and grieved

That all within was poor and dark to view.

A passing glance of kindly sympathy,

Sadness upon a beautiful young face—

And a mad wish is mine for happiness,

Tears, endless love, a woman's fond embrace.

S. J. Nadson 

translated by Alice Stone Blackwell


(Picture: A ray of sunlight, Wilhelm Kotarbinski)