This World's Joy Poem by Michael Burch

This World's Joy
(anonymous Middle English lyric, circa early 14th century AD)
translation by Michael R. Burch

Winter awakens all my care
as leafless trees grow bare.
And now my sighs are fraught
whenever it enters my thought:
regarding this world's joy,
how everything comes to naught.

Original Text:

[MS. Harl.2253. f.49r]
 
Wynter wakeneth al my care,
Nou this leves waxeth bare.
Ofte y sike ant mourne sare
When hit cometh in my thoht
Of this worldes joie, hou hit goth al to noht.