I will speak for all and suffer for everyone,
Walking every minute to answer, to be judged.
I will not drown in the depths or grow shallower,
I grow with wings spread in the summits.
Never before has my soul been so courageous!
Never before has my spirit grown so fervent!
O lucid spirit – without poison or sting.
how long since you’ve been dreaming? – and here the day’s action
has embraced all of me, squeezed me, stretched me,
and I arise, I inhale a new strength.
I don’t dream, no, I’ve opened my eyes forever.
irony and pride on my face,
irony...
Why should I care, colleagues,
whether I’m the first poet or the last?
Put on your crowns and go,
open your mouths...
Why should I care, colleagues,
whether I’m a late or early forerunner?
pretend You’re prophets and go,
open your mouths...
There behind me, behind me, behind me,
I don’t know how many, there are so many walking!
The new day comes before me
at a steady pace.
There behind me, behind me, behind me,
both the plow and the run-down machines.
Before me a joyful sea,
a sea of heads...
Where will I go after this,
and how can I look back at you,
when the sun pierces my mind,
and the sun my lips?
I’ve reached my height and strength,
I’ve seen the light in the distance.
Why should I care, dear friends,
whether or not I’m the first?
1922