Like some strange blessing that descends upon us,
our kiss is full of fire and passion swift.
And yet I know: a future day is coming
when I will have to choose your wedding gift.
So let it be: some shaken thrones will tumble,
and mighty cities fall, and forest burn.
Laws that are ironclad were once established, —
once and for all they will remain stern.
I’ve long outgrown all manner of partitions,
of language, and of blood, and even race,
and all those other age-old walls and fences
with which a man surrounds his private place.
Even today, I hate that coming hour
when, speaking softly, you will say, «My dear!
A temporary harbor may be lovely,
but now it's time the ship should homeward steer.
My destiny is clear, — you will explain, —
I'm but a door where generations stand
yet to be born, of small and slant-eyed people
with yellow skin — as ever in my land».
And you will leave forever, disappearing
behind blank walls which I deny in vain,
— in cold betrayal, though without betraying —
into the cruel truth of your domain.
No races, castes, or creeds… Wide as the sea,
like that same sea, I will remain alone,
wearily mirror someone else's dawns,
and, longing for the East, complain and groan.
Alone and free…But truly, what of that:
I'm quite prepared, forsaking all desires,
an unknown passerby, to be the last
to warm my hands at other people's fires.
