In the Nightmares of Another's Veil

 
Hey little bird!
Where have you gone?
I can't find you anywhere!
In the secret alleys of my mind,
in this cage of my heart,
I've grown weary searching,
all in vain!


Bird, will you never return?
Will you never flutter your wings and fly again?
Will you never whistle to call me...
by the name you gave me?


Bird, why are you like this?
Fine then, go!
Don't come back! Ever again
I won't write thinking of you!
I won't search for you in crowds of words!
Look how my eyes have swollen with hurt!
I'll weave no more garlands for you in flower gardens!


Well now, what are you!
With these two eyes
gazing out
can you find nothing at all anymore?
Today I have no weariness,
my feet seek the trail of the path.
I've become a pilgrim on heaven's road,
I've just received an invitation.


They say I must go,
when my remaining time runs out.
Having promised, I'm terribly angry,
so now brother, just flee!
I'll arrange the basket, whoever comes will come!
You're such a nuisance, who are you anyway?


You know, bird, hearing such things
someone has scolded me
quite properly—
the rascal, how he's laid down the law!
Let him scold, what do I care?
Twenty-four hours are in your hands,
you'll find me again at dawn,
holding a white sheet in both hands.
Go tell the bird, just tell him!
Let's see if he can stop me,
when he comes close he'll surely say, "What's this!"


I too will see how he manages
to bind you with new strings!
Tying knots in life's thread,
how tenderly he'll keep you!
How he'll lavish love on you,
on the walls of the heart...in this house of cards!


Tell me, bird, speak without thinking,
will you ever take me along again?
If a new bird rises laughing,
will you send me into exile?
Will the new bird's new song
then push me away?