Songs
Uneaknale, uneaknale kevad koputas ('On the window of sleep')
by Ester Mägi From Kolm laulu Betti Alveri luulele (3 songs on poems by Betti Alver) (1981)
Text & Translation
Uneaknale, uneaknale kevad koputas ('On the window of sleep')
Estonian source:
Betti Alver
Tahtsin tumedas majas magada,
Näpus härmalill, rinnas räitsakad.
Aga kevade kiirgas valusalt õite õhetust elu haavale.
Kõik mu suletud mõtted veeretas tuhka tuuluke tantsukingaga.
Linnud katusel naersid laginal
Kui mind ahastus aknal kägistas.
On the window of sleep
English translation ©
Kai Rüütel
I wanted to sleep in the dark house,
In my hand a frost-flower, on my chest snowflakes.
But Spring painfully shone the glow of blossom onto life’s wound.
All my closed thoughts rolled into the ashes a little breeze with a dancing shoe.
The birds on the roof laughed uproariously
When at the window anguish was strangling me.
Uneaknale, uneaknale kevad koputas ('On the window of sleep')
Estonian source:
Betti Alver
On the window of sleep
English source:
Kai Rüütel
Uneaknale, uneaknale kevad koputas
On the window of sleep, Spring knocked
Tahtsin tumedas majas magada,
I wanted to sleep in the dark house,
Näpus härmalill, rinnas räitsakad.
In my hand a frost-flower, on my chest snowflakes.
Aga kevade kiirgas valusalt õite õhetust elu haavale.
But Spring painfully shone the glow of blossom onto life’s wound.
Kõik mu suletud mõtted veeretas tuhka tuuluke tantsukingaga.
All my closed thoughts rolled into the ashes a little breeze with a dancing shoe.
Linnud katusel naersid laginal
The birds on the roof laughed uproariously
Kui mind ahastus aknal kägistas.
When at the window anguish was strangling me.
Composer
Ester Mägi
Ester Mägi is an Estonian composer, widely regarded as the First Lady of Estonian Music.
Poet
Betti Alver
Elisabet "Betti" Alver was one of Estonia's most notable poets.