John Godward (1861- 1922)
garden
When I went into my garden, I found
only nettles and thorns.
The nettles and thorns I threw out.
I seeded some flowering plants.
I found someone who knew his work,
willing to help me in my task.
The tree was in such a hurry to climb,
I couldn’t dig it out in time.
In my dilemma he had a remedy.
Alone he pulled up the tree.
Now I must ask advice from him
or he won’t help me again.
However much I weed and clear,
the poison grass appears.
I’d like to seed lilies on this site
before the day is bright.
If my lover feeds it with dew,
it will richly bloom.
He loves among all flowers,
the lily in its white splendor.
Red roses unfurl.
In their calices burns the pearl.
Then the the pearl is dressed in sun,
The strong heart looks on.
Jesus is the gardener’s name.
I am his. One being, we are the same.
His love is sweetest breath,
beyond all things on earth.
Sister Bertken
1427 – 1514
Transl. Willis Barnstone
