Werner Bergengruen (1892–1964), Baltic German poet, was a convert to the Catholic faith and a determined opponent of the Nazi regime. In his poem today ‘The last Epiphany’, ably translated by our translator poet Timothy Adès, he speaks of Christ’s manifestation in different guises. It is Day 611 of the daily poems.
The last Epiphany
by Werner Bergengruen (1892–1964)
translated from German by Timothy Adès
I took this land to my heart, like a lover,
I sent it messages, sent them in swarms.
I came to visit in so many forms.
But in none did you recognise me, not ever.
I knocked in the night, pallid offspring of Jews,
A fugitive, hunted, in worn-out shoes.
You called the constable, summoned the guard
And even thought you were serving the Lord.
I came as a feeble-minded creature,
Old woman in terror with noiseless cry.
But you just talked of the race of the future,
And gave my ashes their liberty.
An orphaned waif from the eastern marches,
I fell at your feet and I begged for bread.
But you were fearful of time’s revenges,
You shrugged your shoulders and struck me dead.
I came as a captive, a casual worker,
Trafficked and sold, whipped raw, despised.
You turned your gaze from the unkempt shirker.
I’ve come as a judge. Am I recognised?
Werner Bergengruen
translated from German by Timothy Adès