Adam Mickiewicz
Uncertainty

 

When I don’t see you, I don't shed a tear,
And keep my senses, when I have you near,
Yet when our paths are parted somewhat longer,
I crave for something, my longing grows stronger,
And missing you I’m struck with hesitation:
Is it still friendship? or infatuation?

Stray out of sight and, I will often find
you face, your image to have slipped my mind?
But moments later comes the intuition,
That they were never lost to recognition.
And once again I ask with hesitation:
Is it still friendship? or infatuation?

Often I suffered, not once have I tried,
My woes and troubles in you to confide,
But strolling freely, with no goal in store,
I always seem to end up at your door;
And as I enter, so does hesitation:
What drove me? friendship or infatuation?

Life I‘d give gladly to ensure you’re well,
For your heart’s comfort, I would walk through hell;
Albeit desire I dare not be feeling,
To be the keeper of your life’s wellbeing.
And once again I ask with hesitation:
Is it still friendship? or infatuation?

When your fair hand is rested onto mine,
Peace sets upon me, bliss beyond confine,
Feels like this light sleep will end my life fleeting
But I am brought back by heart's hastened beating
Thumping the rhythm of my hesitation:
Is it just friendship? or infatuation?

When for your pleasure I started to write,
No seer-poet didst to me recite;
Truly surprised I looked back to these lines,
Whence did these thoughts come, where found I the rhymes;
So this I ask you, my sweet inspiration:

What are you? friendship or infatuation?

 

(Translated by: Witold Wojtaszko)