THE PROPER DANISH SUMMER Poem by Henrik Nordbrandt

A proper Danish summer shall be the theme of this sonnet:
For it is only proper that what surrounds us should be treated
not in thirteen or fifteen lines, but in fourteen: Everything fitted
together neatly, that is how I would have it, form and content
as one, just as I am one with summerness
which is one with Danishness,
entirely proper: But it would not be this poem
if it didn't point out that no two things can be one.
There must be space: A proper Danish summer
probably is the place I could best get along without myself.
And I would gladly have nature speak on my behalf, that is if the vulgar
lawn hadn't made it so awkward:
In the middle of it stands a tall red chimney: It belongs to the crematorium.
What comfort at long last to be free of oneself!