To Death

But spare me, Death.
I am still young –
My work has not been done,
The future is still unknown –
So spare me, Death.

Some time later, Death,
When my life has been lived, has burned away
Into my work, and I
Have nothing left to say –
Then take me, Death.

Translated by Merryn Williams. This translation first appeared in The Interpreter’s House No. 9, October 1998