Smiling Childhood
Oh, longing for my early youth so dear,
you visit me from time to time with grace,
you bring a memory that appears quite clear,
fragments scattered through time and space.
Oh, silent longing, briefly you awaken,
and “ruin” life for just a while,
the heart stops beating, wholly shaken,
from your longing blood drops vile.
Oh, early childhood longing pure,
how often you appear without rest,
old age knocks with hand unsure,
while you, childhood, smile blessed.
Oh, beautiful longing, heart that’s breaking,
don’t play so mercilessly with me,
sometimes you come, my soul partaking,
sometimes from dreams you set me free.
