Ricarda Huch (1864–1947)

TO this grave of mine

Come not in the morning,

Come on ways of darkness,

Dearest, by the dim moonshine.

For when through the skies

Bells are tolling midnight,

From my earthly prison

To the lovely air I rise.

In my death-dress white

On my grave I linger,

Watch the stars and measure

Time’s majestic tread at night.

Come, and have no fear!

Can you still give kisses?

I forgot them never

While I slept the winters drear.

Kiss me hard and long.

In the east already

Sings the morning sunlight

—Lack-a-day!—its joyful song.

You were mine again!

Go and taste life’s sweetness!—

I in deep, deep darkness

Sleep once more with pain.