Rosa carmina

ROSA CARMINA

 

On top of the hedge, above the cart track

There is a unique little plant.

Every day I pass near it,

And every day I look at it:

It's only a dog rose...

 

A curly barb in her blossoms

Among the thorns, on the back of the hedge.

How extraordinary among the shrubs!

And delicate! My wild-rose

Is dressed like a queen...

 

"A golden crown and dress of red silk,

Diamond-studded with the night-dew,

Shining in the morning Sun,

Almost as pretty as an angel."

Alas! it is short-lived beauty...

 

Each rose blossom lasts only a day

Its face open to the light,

The Sun warms its center,

It is caressed by the butterfly

And stung by the bee.

 

And by the time the sun has set,

Its red silk dress will have faded

And its golden crown have dissipated;

The end will come to the curly rose...

But another will open tomorrow.

 

July 1962.