Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - English translations by Michael R Burch IV

Gefunden (“Found”) by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch Into the woodlands, alone, I went. Seeking nothing, my sole intent. But I saw a flower deep in the shade gleaming like starlight in a still glade. I reached down to pluck it when it shyly asked: “Why would you snap me so cruelly in half?” So I dug up the flower, by the roots and all, then planted it gently by the garden wall. Now in a dark corner where I planted the flower, it blooms just as brightly to this very hour. Wandrers Nachtlied (“Wanderer’s Night Song”) by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. From the hilltops comes peace; through the treetops scarcely the wind breathes. Do you feel the lassitude touch you? The little birds grow silent in the forest. Wait, soon you’ll rest too. 2. From the distant hilltops comes peaceful repose; through the swaying treetops a calming wind blows. Do you feel the lassitude touch you? The birds grow silent in the forest. Wait, soon you’ll rest too. Wandrers Nachtlied (“Wanderer’s Night Song”) by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 1. You who descend from heaven, calming all suffering and pain, the one who doubly refreshes those who are doubly disconsolate; I’m so weary of useless contention! Why all this pain and lust? Sweet peace descending, Come, oh, come into my breast! 2. You who descend from heaven, calming all suffering and pain, the one who doubly refreshes those who are doubly disconsolate; I’m so damn tired of this muddle! What’s the point of all this pain and lust? Sweet peace, Come, oh, come into my breast! Nähe des Geliebten (“Near His Beloved”) by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch I think of you when the sun shines softly on me; also when the moon silvers each tree. I see you in the spirit the shimmering dust resembles; also at the stroke of twelve when the night watchman trembles. I hear you in the sighing of the restless, surging seas; also in the quiet groves when everything’s at peace. I am with you, though so far! Yet I know you’re always near. Oh what I'd yield, as sun to star, to have you here! Keywords/Tags: Goethe, German poetry, English translation, peace, Wanderer, night, song, peace, wind, flower, woodlands, birds, forest, heaven, pain, suffering, sun, moon, spirit, seas, song, dust, groves, tree, trees