TO BEAUTY

When our gods fall
and we stand alone among wreckage,
as much without a hold for our feet any longer
as spheres in space -
then you are dimly seen for a moment, lofty Beauty.
Then, only then.
As stern as fire you speak consolation:
'Whatever else falls - I remain.'
O stay, stay, holy one,
and save my soul
from the falsehood of a measureless sorrow!

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