M. Fröhlich... illustration... Else Lasker-Schüler 1907

 

illustration of Else Lasker-Schüler from "Tino of Baghdad" by Else Lasker-Schüler  1907

To the Barbarian

The rough drops of your blood

Bring sweetness to my skin.

Do not call my eyes traitresses

Because they’re floating around your skies;

I’m resting on your night, smiling

And teaching your stars how to play.

And I’m walking through the rusty gate

Of your bliss with a song.

I love you and am coming nearer, in white

And transfigured on pilgrimage toes,

I’m taking your haughty heart,

Pure chalice, with me to the angels.

I love you as if I’d died

And my soul were spread across you –

My soul took in all the pain,

Its bitter images will shatter you.

But there are so many roses in bloom

I’d like to give you;

I’d like to bring you all the gardens

Woven into a wreath.

I keep thinking of you

Until the clouds drop down;

We’d like to kiss,

Wouldn’t we?

by  Else Lasker-Schüler