Prayer to Love Sorrow
by Francis Jammes (translation)
janine canan
I have only my sorrow, and want nothing more.
She has been and still is faithful.
What more could I wish, since in those hours
when my soul was crushed beneath my heart,
she was there, seated at my side.
Oh Sorrow, you see, finally I have come to respect you,
for I know you will never depart.
Ah, I admit you were forced to become beautiful --
you who never left the pitiful hearth
of my poor black heart.
Oh my Sorrow, you are better than a beloved.
For I know, on the day of my death you will be here,
still -- oh Sorrow -- trying to invade my heart.
