Short Poems

Let my house be mist and haze,
and my friends the wind and moon;
While the land is at peace
I'll decline into old age.
Just one thing I ask of life:
that my faults may disappear.

What matter if I grow like this,
what matter if I grow like that?
What matter if I'm called
a rustic bore?
What on earth can cure this craving
for boulders and springs?

Since I was born mortal to tread pathways of years that fast
Fly like youth's dreams full well I know the time that is overpast.
But as to future fate, sorrow or joy, none can tell what shall be:
Then O care, grievous and black, what hast to do with me!
Ere shall dark death fall on mine eyes, sealing their lids with night,
I with dance, revel, and mirth will grasp the present's delight.

Three young rats with black felt hats,
Three young ducks with white straw flats,
Three young dogs with curling tails,
Three young cats with demi-veils,
Went out to walk with two young pigs
In satin vests and sorrel wigs;
But suddenly it chanced to rain,
And so they all went home again.

Into the world he looked with sweet surprise;
The children laughed so when they saw his eyes.

Into the world a rosy hand in doubt
He reached—a pale hand took one rosebud out.

“And that was all—quite all!” No, surely! But
The children cried so when his eyes were shut.

I'm drunk—my joy is boundless—
In every way better than not being drunk:
Each time I move it's a dance,
Each time I speak it's a poem.

Thou thinkst thou Beautie see'st; But Cannst not knowe
Or butt beleiu'est Some foole that told thee so.
Suspend thy nose-witt, till flesh in hir Vme,
Past nine muskcatts Lifes, to Sweet Powder turne.
Say thou mayst touch or tast: if that be all
Thy Loue is Brute, thou a meere animall.

I am enjoying th' evening cool.
How lucky I was born a man!

Man is a pitiful wight. I know, and try to forget it;
And so it was that I came, curse o' my folly, to thee!

Haga Dios que del mundo en las mudanzas
las dulces esperanzas
con que hoy tu pensamiento se gloría
séante al cabo, en apacible invierno,
recuerdos aún más dulces todavía
que te acompañen en el viaje eterno.