G. A. Becquer - Swallows Poem by Paul Abucean

When hopeful spring starts waxing and somber swallows come,
some shall return to nesting within your balcony;
and once anew be flapping
your windows playfully.

But those who paused to marvel how beautiful you were,
those who had learned our names then, who knew my bliss before,
and shared with us the wonder...
those... shall return no more.

When topping summer's glory the honeysuckles bloom,
some shall return to scaling your garden palisade;
and have their open flowers
delightfully displayed.

But those whose dewy faces betrayed some heartfelt pain,
whose drops we both saw throbbing and falling to the floor
like teardrops of the morning...
those... shall return no more.

And when, throughout the seasons, men whisper in your ears
warm words of sweet enchantment, and love for loving's sake,
out of its mortal slumber
your heart may well awake.

But so, absorbed and silent, so kneelingly entranced,
as only God in heaven the innocent adore,
as I once loved you, know it,
they'll love you
nevermore.

(Translated by Paul Abucean)