Dirge for a Young Boy

Translated by Benjamin H. Jackson

Not for you,
Proud-brave-boy,
You weren’t meant
To go into black earth.
There was a table here.
A place was set for you.
Wine and songs were poured for you.
Friends waited.

Green, green-fresh boy
With flashing limbs,
Your boots were made of gold,
Your spurs were silver,
Pearl inlaid.
They whistled in the wind.

At night he saddled his horse;
He shod his horse in the dark.
At night he crossed Alpheios,
The fearful river.
He has gone to take his kiss,
Before the rains,
Before the snows.