Else Lasker-Schüler, "My Blue Piano"

[Eva Libre]

My Blue Piano
Translated by Anne Stokes

Back home I have a blue piano
Yet I can’t play a single note.

It’s been standing in the shadow of the cellar door
Since the world became savage.

Four star-hands played it before
– The moon lady sang in the boat –
Now the rats dance to the clattering.

The keyboard’s smashed to pieces.
I weep for the blue deceased.

Oh dear angels, open up for me
– I’ve eaten from the bitter bread –
The gate to heaven while I’m still living –
Even though it’s forbidden.

Else Lasker-Schüler

[Eva Libre]

If you are interested, here a reading in German:

Zu Ehren von Else Lasker-Schüler einer brillanten Dichterin