How Many Demands

How many demands the beloved can make!

The woman discarded, none.

How glad I am that today the water

Under the colorless ice is motionless.

And I stand — Christ help me! —

On this shroud that is brittle and bright,

But save my letters

So that our descendants can decide,

So that you, courageous and wise,

Will be seen by them with greater clarity.

Perhaps we may leave some gaps

In your glorious biography?

Too sweet is earthly drink,

Too tight the nets of love.

Sometime let the children read

My name in their lesson book,

And on learning the sad story,

Let them smile shyly. . .

Since you've given me neither love nor peace

Grant me bitter glory.