Poems of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer LXVI

1836 –

1870

^{Translated from the Spanish by Mason Carnes}

At the flash of a light we are born; we are dead
Ere its splendor refulgent is sped,–—
Life is so short!
For glory and love that we ardently court
Are but shades of a dream that floats by;—
To awake is to die!

From Poems of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer (Kegan Paul, Trench, Trübner & Co., Ltd., 1891) by Gustavo Adolfo Becquer. Translated from the Spanish by Mason Carnes. This poem is in the public domain.

Poems of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, IX

^{Translated from the Spanish by Mason Carnes}

Balmy breezes softly sighing,
     Kiss the light waves as they curl;
And the sun, albeit dying
     Kisses warm yon cloud of pearl;
For a kiss the flame is trying
     Round the burning log to whirl;
And the willow never misses

Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer

1891

Poems of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, IV

^{Translated from the Spanish by Mason Carnes}

        Ah! do not say that, all its treasure spent,
        For lack of subjects mute the lyre has grown:
        Perchance no poets there will be, but still
                              For ever poetry will live.

Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer

1891

Poems

Poems of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer LXVI

More by this poet

Poems of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, IX

Poems of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, VII

Poems of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, IV

Poems

Page submenu block

Poems of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer LXVI

More by this poet

Poems of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, IX

Poems of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, VII

Poems of Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, IV

Newsletter Sign Up