TO MADELEINE
(whose guardian I was; whom I loved dearly and with whom, when she was 17, I discovered I was in love.)
I loved you as a father,
Tho’ father you had none:
As one who loves all children,
So I would be that one.
I loved you as a brother,
Tho’ sister have I none:
Playmates we were together,
Under a rising sun.
I love you as betrothed,
Tho’ no ring is by:
For in my pillowed dreams
‘Tis in your arms I lie.
I’ll love you as a husband,
Tho’ worlds apart us keep:
For when our days are over
‘Tis by your side I’ll sleep.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
I'm moved. I am sooooo moved by your language and delivery. This is magnificent. As if it comes from another time and place.