Classic Poem

In mein gar zu dunkles Leben

In my life's enshrouded darkness
Once a vision shed its light;
Now, that phantom radiance vanished,
I am wrapped again in night.

Children, when oppressed by darkness,
When their happy hearts are cowed,
To allay their fears and trembling
Sing a song — and sing too loud.

I, a child half-crazed, am singing,
Singing in the darkness here . . .
If my song is loud and raucous,
It, at least, has soothed my fear.