I Know a Flower
I know a flower that sprouts and bloomsAnd needs not rain nor dew ;She does not need a mountain-breezeNor sun to warm her through.
Within the snow and storm she growsWhen flowers fade and die ;The storm but lends her greater strength,Her hues doth beautify.
Within the hail and thunder-storm.When trees do fall to Earth,Then doth she don her smiling garbs,In beauty bloometh forth.
This flower is love of country,From out the storm she forth doth spring ;She draws her living-sap from pain,Her nourishment from suffering.
Translated by SAMUEL ROTH