THE FEAST OF LIFE

THE FEAST OF LIFE

Juhani Siljo(1888-1918)

I won't your feast, host Life, praise!

I saw your wine to be thick, not a drop

did I taste of it.

I don't thank, neither will try to blame

you: what you could, you offered perhaps.

And my soul at least its own joy got.

Your wine I didn't drink, and rest of the frolic

too cramped was for me:

without your wine my soul intoxicates,

to the party of its thoughts death unlikely comes,

no gray day, no other decision.

My goblet the sea is and the sun and the moon:

if they go out, emptied get, grief shall come

guest for me!

(Elämän kemut; Maan puoleen, 1914.)