Anarchistbanjo's World

Mother
 
Mother, dear mother, dream of happiness!
—Look! I kneel before you in the evening hours,
Kiss the deep wounds of your heart.
Dream of happiness mother, dream of happiness!
Your ruler has always measured me in moderation,
Your ears have always listened to my words.
When I was wild—you have excused me,
When I was bad—you have forgotten it.
Mother, dear mother, dream of happiness!
—lay your head in my strong arms,
Let my songs be a colored bridge leading you
Far away from all sorrows and harm!
Light hearted pennants decorate my boat,—
As it travels back to Avalon, the land of the fairies!
Mother, do you see me standing there as the pilot?
Will you come with? —and —will you laugh,
Dear mother?
Water lilies!—see how I pluck them!
The waves splash!—the wind is in the sail!
White birds of summer soar in the distance!
—Ah, you can dream there mother,
Dream of happiness!

-Hanns Heinz Ewers
translated by Joe Bandel