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    Spellbound

    When you are away,  my soul hungers wildly.
    When you are close, I long for you just as much -
    in despair I see,
    numb, secluded,
    how empty and futile
    is the minute which goes by.
    
    Your essence of proud and regal perfumes fine
    I secretly wanted to drink, a sacred wine -
    but I stand heavy as death
    as in dreams,
    with a thirst like Tantalos
    in clear streams.
    
    In times of solitude my tongue has burned
    to tell you of the beautiful thing I have dreamt and felt
    but when I am near you
    my thoughts slumber,
    my door is closed,
    and my heart is numb.


    Translated into English by Jenny Nunn in "To a friend".

    Swedish original



    Copyright © 1997:
    Translation from Swedish into English: Jenny Nunn
    Swedish original: Ulf Boye

    Published with the permission of:
    Jenny Nunn, translation.
    Ulf Boye, copyright of the Swedish original.
    May and Hans Mehlin, Layout.