Paradise Lost
Erich Fried translated by Stuart Hood
When I had lost
my first country
and when in my second country
and in my place of refuge
and in my third country
and in my second place of refuge
I had lost everything
then I set out
to look for a land
that was not poisoned
by any memories
of irreplaceable losses
So I came to Paradise
there I found peace
Everything was whole and good
I lacked for nothing
Then a sentry
with a flaming sword
said: Pray: Get away
Here you have lost nothing’
Pray: Deliver Me
From the cowardice
that dare not face new truth,
From the laziness
that is contented with half truth,
From the arrogance
that thinks it knows all truth.
Good Lord,
deliver me!
