Petrarch

Pensive and alone I tread the empty strand,

Measuring my slow and heavy paces,

Searching while intent on human traces

In footprints left on slowly crumbling sand.

I find no other scene which helps me turn

Away from sign of human recognition

Because all waste of gaiety in my action

Makes clear without how deep I burn within.

I do believe that hills, woods, beaches, rivers

Know best just how my life to temper,

A life which is concealed from others,

I seek not any rougher way or wilder

But look for love to come and I shall be

Ever reasoning with him and he with me.

Translation

©Terry Hodgson2020