
Wherefore was I given life?
to thunder past everyone in a chariot of victory
incessantly fast like fate
without wit or will
longing for more?Wherefore was I given life?
with ring-studded hands
to grasp the shimmering bowl
the spell-sworn one
thirsting after more?Wherefore was I given life?
Edith Södergran, “Värfor gavs mig livet?” (from Septemberlyran, 1918), my translation.
to pass like a magic book from hand to hand
burning through all souls
flashing like fire over ashes
thirsting after more?