The first autumn storm rides the hissing waves. Shivering, you gaze after a swan spreading its wings over the troubled sea of life as if in a silent blessing.
October by the Sea
Between the dunes
the wind plucks at the paling blossoms.
The waves shriek like breaking ice
under the vagabond’s burning breath.
Restless white horses
rush abruptly through the quivering light.
Majestically the face of autumn
laughs from the dishevelled skies.
Rising from the depths of the surf,
a silent swan floats homeward.
And sometimes the celestial wings descend
as shadows into the longing sea.
German Version
Musical Setting:
Painting: Andreas Achenbach (1815 – 1910): Stormy Coast (1888); Wikimedia commons


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