My Blue Piano by Else Lasker-Schüler

My Blue Piano

 

Back home I have a blue piano

Yet I can’t play a single note.

 

It’s been standing in the shadow of the cellar door

Since the world became savage.

 

Four star-hands played it before

– The moon lady sang in the boat –

Now the rats dance to the clattering.

 

The keyboard’s smashed to pieces.

I weep for the blue deceased.

 

Oh dear angels, open up for me

– I’ve eaten from the bitter bread –

The gate to heaven while I’m still living –

Even though it’s forbidden.

 

(Translated by Anne Stokes)