Daily Poem: O What Transparent Waves ~ Vittoria Colonna
O What Transparent Waves
~ Vittoria Colonna
Translated from Italian by Lynne Lawner
O what transparent waves, what a tranquil sea
my speedy vessel travelled through,
laden, adorned with richest freight,
the clear air and breeze aiding it!
The sky that now hides in beautiful lamps
rayed soft light then, erased most shadows.
How must one fear who happily proceeds!—
for the end is not always like the beginning.
Regard how fickle and impious Fortune,
uncovering her wicked, angry face,
gives rise in her fury to a vast tempest.
But though she collects wind, rain, and arrows
and sends wild beasts to devour me,
the soul still catches sight of its faithful star.
