The Icelandic Canadian - 01.12.1963, Side 17

THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
15
Gestur
by Stephan G. Stephansson
translated from the Icelandic into English by Paul Bjarnason.
(The poet's son, Gestur, was killed by lightning)
The law that smites a life with harm, or slays,
Gave little time for anguished hope and fear.
It flung to earth a random ray ablaze
And rent the heart of one to me so dear.
But it is well that I should get the news
Without a warning — since I had to lose.
Yea, it is well to understand and know
That it was not a sentient thing, my dear,
With evil for its aim, that struck you so,
But accident upon its chance-career.
No cosmic law, but simple savagery,
Designs and wills the keenest agony.
It helps the lorn to bear what has to be
If bitterness and fear are held at bay.
Benevolence could have no hate for thee,
Nor heave the bolt that took your life away;
And Love could never cause such cruelty
To countless hearts that mourn your destiny.
No eveil force can overcome the good,
As eons prove, in spite of what may seem.
It lacks the moral strength and hardihood.
And heaven’s lightning with its deadly beam
Was innocent of ill-intent or wrath
As even you, who walked into its path.
And lovingly I wrap you in my ode
With anguished calm and feeligns bitter-sweet.
And there will ever be /thy warm abode
Where bliss and goodness, in the spirit, meet.
And so, content, I close each sore that sears
And say farewell, with thanksgiving and tears.