English poem
V
by Emile Verhaeren (1855–1916)
I bring you, this eve, an offering of joy From having drenched my body in the gold And silken texture of the joyous wind And in the yellow splendour of the sun; My feet are pure with having walked the grass, My hands are sweet with the dim hearts of flowers, My eyes are brilliant with the sudden tears Born in an instant from the sight of such A beauteous earth and its eternal night.
Space, with arms of burning clarity, Drunk and fervent, sobbing, led me on, And I have gone down there--I know not where-- Where all my captive cries did free my steps; I bring you life and beauty of the plains; Take from me their free and bounteous breath; Storms have laid caresses on my hands, And air and light and perfume are in me.