When Time Has Come

When time has come... / Wenn die Zeit gekommen ist... / Cuando ha llegado el momento...

When time has come to say good-bye
to leave this earth in time,
then let me rest under a sad cypress
close to a field of rye.
And let my shroud of white 
through darkest nights yet shine.
But don't lay roses down for me
as blossoms wilt to soon
and let a red moon rising high 
for everyone to see


Wenn dann die Zeit gekommen ist
von dieser Welt zu geh'n
dann lasst mich ruh'n unter Zypressen
und nahe einem Feld mit Roggen
wo noch der Mohn und auch Kornblumen steh'n.
Und lasst dem weißen Totenhemd so fein
selbst in der tiefsten Nacht noch seinen Schein.
Doch keine Rosen sollt ihr legen,
denn Blüten welken viel zu schnell
und lasst den roten Mond 
hoch oben sich bewegen
für alle sichtbar hell


Cuando ha llegado el momento de decir adiós
dejando esta tierra en mi tiempo,
déjame descansar bajo triste ciprés
y cerca de un campo de centeno.
Y dejar que mi sudario blanco
brilla a través de noche oscura de estreno
Que no me ponen rosas
como flores se marchiten rápido
y dejar la luna roja levantar
al alto cielo raro
y para todo bién visible claro


Note: Inspired by a song from Act II, Scene IV od Shakespeare's Twelfth Night
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

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Dietrich Avatar
June 25, 2011 at 11:43 PM
Beautiful, Gert.Gosh you have so many poems that are sublime, like that contest of Constance is asking for. You should find your very most sublime poem and enter it! Luv, Andrea
Delacroix Avatar
June 24, 2011 at 10:52 PM
interesting write and lasting wish, but why a sad cypress? Well written though. Take care, Caroline.
K. Avatar
June 24, 2011 at 9:18 AM
Hi Gert! It sure is so nice to read a new write from you here and I love what you say here, of requesting to have that moon rise instead of roses-- what a poignant write this is, came across to me as a celebration of life-- btw just want to help, I believe you meant "let" in your 3rd line instead of led? Sorry if I am wrong-- praying that your arm and hand will feel better with therapy! hugs and ingat lagi! Alles Gute :D
Minardi Avatar
June 24, 2011 at 9:12 AM
beautiful..
Sweetheart Avatar
June 24, 2011 at 9:07 AM
a very beautiful scene depicted in these lovely words Gert .. a poetic way to exit this life and realm luv.. touched by the loveliness .. hope u are feeling better my friend.. missing u always..luv..
Roberts Avatar
June 24, 2011 at 8:14 AM
lovely Gert, sounds prettiest in German
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