To My Dead Child

^{translated from the Danish by Sophia Hersi Smith and Jennifer Russell}

I never heard your little voice,
never saw your pale lips smile at me,
but the kicks of your tiny feet,
for those I’ll always rejoice.

You were all my hope, my heart’s beat,
I kept you safe inside of me –
all my yearning, life’s greatest dream.
Oh – your perfect little feet.

We were together for so many hours,
I shared my body with you.
Surely we cannot be blamed
for succumbing to greater powers.

Dearest, now you will never long
for life’s quick pulse, for better or worse –
no matter, my boy, sweet dreams,
the weak must yield to the strong.

See how I hold your cold fingers,
grateful to be near you yet.
Quietly I kiss you, without tears,
though a burning cry still lingers.