In Search for a Higher Viewpoint

Stages by Hermann Hesse

As every blossom fades
and all youth gives way to age,
so every stage in life, each wisdom, virtue
flowers on its time and cannot last forever.
The heart has to submit itself to any call
and be prepared to leave and start anew
take courage and without a tear of grief
engage in other, greener bonds for
magic dwells in each beginning,
protecting us, and helping us to live.

Cheerfully we shall traverse realm after realm,
hanging to none as to a Home,
the World Spirit will not tie and tighten us
but raise us higher, broader, stage by stage.
Hardly are we at home within a way of life
have we our cosiness in place, the slacking lurks;
but only he who is prepared to leave, to journey forth
may ungather himself of crippling habits.

Maybe death’s hour too will send us
new-born out towards new realms,
maybe life’s call on us will never find an end...
Come on my Heart, take leave and fare thee well.

(transl. tynvdb/240814)