Friedrich Holderlin Poems

You too wanted better things, but love
forces all of us down. Sorrow bends us more
forcefully, but the arc doesn't return to its
...

The earth hangs down
to the lake, full of yellow
pears and wild roses.
Lovely swans, drunk with
...

It's not yet
Time. They are still
Unbound. And the indifferent don't care
About godly matters.
...

The margins of the forest are beautiful,
as if painted onto the green slopes.
I walk around, and sweet peace
rewards me for the thorns
...

When I was a boy
a god would often rescue me
from the shouting and violence of humans.
Then, safe and well, I would play
...

The holy, familiar hall, built long ago,
Is aired, and filled with heavenly,
Softly echoing, quietly modulating music.
...

Suevia, my mother, happy land!
You also are like your more shining sister
Lombardy over there
Flowed through by a hundred streams
...

Another day. I follow another path,
Enter the leafing woodland, visit the spring
Or the rocks where the roses bloom
Or search from a look-out, but nowhere
...

In my youth I enjoyed the morning
And wept at night; now that I'm older
My day begins with doubt but
Its end is sacred and serene.
...

Once gods walked among humans,
The splendid Muses and youthful Apollo
Inspired and healed us, just like you.
...