The Swallows Return in Spring
The swallows return in spring
to build their nests on your balcony.
They knock once on the window with their wings,
to play with you, as they did last year.
But those that barely managed to fly,
gazing at your grace and at my joy—
those… we will see no more!
The wisteria will bloom even fuller,
climbing the garden wall by your home,
ever more beautiful with each passing evening,
their blossoms opening with delight.
But those adorned with drops of dew,
trembling when we saw them at dawn,
falling, dripping like tears…
those… we will no longer see!
Your ears will once again hear love,
fiery words will ring within them;
perhaps they may awaken your heart
from its deep slumber, I dare say.
But silently, lost, on my knees,
the way I have loved you—
as one worships God at the altar—
not like that, don’t fool yourself:
no one could ever love you like I do!
