The Quarrel of Fate

What are these happinesses? What I keep searching for in your depths—
can that too be called joy? Contentment, fortune, or the fierce
surge of delight—none of it ever became the core voice of my writing;
you know this already!

You are only my sorrow—sorrow's own faithful companion, nothing more.
You were never reckless like memories are, tell me...
you won't abandon me, will you? Perhaps even the memories of happiness
have fled.

I never had to tell you—see me one last time.
You yourself kept calling me closer...every time, every moment.

When I touch you with such depth, it becomes clear...
you are fiercely grateful to the Creator! I sought you,
ceaselessly, in my prayers!

Silence broke—in a trembling voice you say...
now you've even forgotten how to love the way you did before!
And yet, in your firm embrace my breath is held,
one night without fear has bound our souls once more
in a grip both tender and absolute.

I listen with fierce attention, with this weary body...
I touch your feet...and fate, in answer, stumbles into its own discord!