Georg Trakl Translation: To the Boy Elis
To the boy Elis
by Georg Trakl
translation by Michael R. Burch
Elis, when the blackbird cries from the black forest,
it announces your downfall.
Your lips sip the rock-spring's blue coolness.
Your brow sweats blood
recalling ancient myths
and dark interpretations of birds' flight.
Yet you enter the night with soft footfalls;
the ripe purple grapes hang suspended
as you
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Categories:
austrian, bereavement, bird, blue, boy,
Form: Verse
The Austrian Pines
© 2011 (Jim Sularz)
Deep in a Black Forest,
lost along a mystic stream.
Where the winds still whisper,
a thousand untold dreams.
Enchanted shadows,
kicking frosted leaves.
Sleep at night’s darkness,
wake upon a moonlit breeze.
Castled ruins in disbelief,
sap blistered lips unseen.
Singing Austrian pines in chorus,
beneath an idyllic scene.
Dancing high betwixt the hills,
hide
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Categories:
austrian, beauty, nature,
Form: Quatrain
Austrian Mountains
God's mighty fortress reigns,
Mountains jagged and tall,
Snow on the peaks of the mountains,
The fields of green with the edelweiss and wild flowers
The waterfall tumbles down the mountainside,
Fresh and healing, beautiful to look at,
The performer sings a song of God,
Which caresses the mountains and valleys,
You are enamored by his performance,
He is very handsome to look at,
A
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Categories:
austrian, beautiful, faith, god,
Form: Free verse
Austrian Splendour
Praise to the beautiful mountains and lakes,
The humble log abode that provides a home,
Where the parents and children of Austria live.
The wooden table where they sit and dine,
Delicious foods prepared, freshly baked bread,
Cheeses and cakes and cookies,
Dinners cooked to perfection,
The bright dirndls the women wear,
And the lederhosen worn by the men,
Evenings of good music
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Categories:
austrian, education, faith, friendship, holiday,
Form: Free verse
Austrian Mountain Range
Thunder clouds roll back, rain does succomb
shepheards emerge their flock
sunrays, brightens the horizon
mountain range, as far as the eye can see
The far distance , a sand block castle
the fore ground a humble village
goats lapping the bulging lake
sparrows emerging with song thrush
As children run playfully from their home
pointing to the sky, rainbow a picture
two lovers
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Categories:
austrian, imagination
Form: Free verse
Austrian Memories
I dream of Austria and the beauty of the country,
God's perfect winter postcard.
The town of Igls, the rooftops and tall spruces, touched with snow,
The Latin church that stood tall.
A visit with God at Christmas,
Beautiful memories and walks through the village.
Where the mountain stood majestic in the background,
Skiis on my back, dressed in a warm nordic
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Categories:
austrian, education
Form: Free verse