GUIDING PRINCIPLE

You my day! I do not want
to be only night, and hard dross, too -
for from your cheek spreads sweetly untouched
spring mornings' brilliance of dew.

You my sun! I do not want
to be only autumn and wind blowing cold -
for in your gaze smiled triumph-glad
blue crystal that spring skies hold.

You my peace! I do not want
to be only defiance, war's obstinacy -
for too young and budding golden
was the new life you gave to me.

For more information, please visit the website of David McDuff and his own pages with the translations.