Nearness of the Beloved by Johann Wolfgang Goethe

I think of you, when the shimmering sea waves

Shine bright on me;

I think of you, when the moon's resplendent rays

Light up each stream.

I see you, when from out the distant path

Dust is rising;

When in the depths of night, I see a stranger

Bare, shivering.

I hear you, when the tranquil seas glisten

With rising tides.

In the quiet grove, I often go to listen,

Then peace abides.

I am with you, despite how distant, however far -

I know you're near.

The sun will set, and soon I'll behold each star—

If only you were here.

Translation © David B. Gosselin

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