Snow

German Poem “Schnee” by Francisca Stoecklin (1894 – 1931)
Translation “The Happy Quitter”


“Schnee” (The original)

Schnee, zärtliches Grüßen
der Engel,
schwebe, sinke –
breit alles in Schweigen
und Vergessenheit!
Gibt es noch Böses,
wo Schnee liegt?
Verhüllt, verfernt er nicht
alles zu Nahe und Harte
mit seiner beschwichtigenden
Weichheit, und dämpft selbst
die Schritte des Lautesten
in Leise?
Schnee, zärtliches Grüßen
der Engel,
den Menschen, den Tieren! –
Weißeste Feier
der Abgeschiedenheit.

9 Comments

  1. A poem worthy of translation. Would that it could bring peace

    January 18, 2024
    Reply
  2. Unknown's avatar Debra said:

    I have no experience with enough snow to even comment on, but when friends tell me how much they look forward to the quiet that comes with snow, apart from snow blowers I’d think, I am most envious. Beautiful poem, Bridget.

    January 17, 2024
    Reply
    • I think you would like snow. Long, quiet walks, cold fresh air, hot cocoa afterward. Dogs playing of course.

      January 19, 2024
      Reply
  3. A beautiful translation which rings absolutely true!

    January 17, 2024
    Reply
    • I heard it the first time as a little girl and found it last week by accident. I thought it deserved an attempt to be pushed into English 🙂

      January 17, 2024
      Reply

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