LONELY ONE IN AUTUMN

LONELY ONE IN AUTUMN

(from the German of Hans Bethge based on a poem by Tchang-Tsi)

Wild autumn mists blue-drift across the lake.

The grass stands white, all covered with hoar-frost.

You'd think an artist had been scattering

Fine jade dust on the delicate, fair flowers.

Sweet perfume from the flowers has fled.

A cold wind bends their stems right down.

Soon withered, golden leaves of lotus blooms

Will drift by on the water's face.

My heart is tired. My little lamp

Is guttered with a splutter, calling me to sleep.

I come to you, true-trusted resting place.

Yes, give me rest. I crave to be refreshed.

I weep long in my loneliness.

The autumn in my heart holds on and on.

Sun of love, will you never shine once more

And gently dry up all my bitter tears?