Hermann Hesse (2 July 1877 – 9 August 1962 / Calw, Württemberg)

Ooo Ahh 'JR', your translation alters the poem dramatically, but thanks for it just the same. Is there truly so much scope for interpretation, as appears?

A different and, I think, better translation of this poem appeared in Poor Old Tired Horse No.16. The translator was Lesley Lendrum it reads

'Clouds blow across the sky
and the wind across the field
across the field wanders
my mother's lost child

Leaves fly across the path
across the trees the birds fly
somewhere across the hills
my far off home must be'