We present this work in honor of the 90th anniversary of the poet’s death.

 

I forgive you almost all your sins
Only two of them I can’t allow:
Poetry you whisper to yourself,
And you kiss out loud.

Sin, have fun, and blossom with the years.
Only heed my mother advice —
A kiss, my darling, isn’t for the ears,
Music, my angel, isn’t for the eyes.

Translation by Diana Lewis Burgin