i am the last blossom of autumn...

i am the last blossom of autumn.
i was rocked in the cradle of summer.
i was placed on guard against the north wind,
red streaks appeared
on my white cheeks.
i am the last blossom of autumn.
i am the youngest seed of the dead spring:
how easy to be the last to die;
i have seen the lake so fairy like and blue,
i have heard the heartbeat of the dead summer,
red calyx holds only the seed of death.
i am the last blossom of autumn.
i have seen the deep starry universe of autumn,
i have seen the light of distant warm hearths:
how easy to take the same road.
i shall close the doors of death.
i am the last blossom of autumn.

edith sodergran, 1916 (in 8 swedish poets, 1963)