En ny Bergensiana

“A New Bergensiana”Omdiktning av “Utsigter fra Ulriken”Tekst: Andrew Wale

Seek the treasure you value most dearly:If you bow your headLet it be to a lofty mountain

PoisedAnd tuned to nature’s rhyme -All grief has left me on this peakBut timeBurns fiercely through the pastUlriken warns -‘The shadows of battles, are darkly cast’With thanks, I rise each dawn to better days -In peaceAnd calmly start to reappraiseMan disappears, the land remainsLet the red-tipped dawn come with sharpened airA touch of frost, and the promise of a glorious day

HomeIn stoney arms entwined –This city-child is cradled tightDefinedBy ancient cloud-filled skiesThe mountain speaks -‘I watch you in wonder’ she softly criesAnd down below, in springtime’s breathless haze -I hearAnd calmly start to reappraise

Let the breeze blow over the landLet the breeze blow over the seaThis strength is not mine aloneWe all travel in the same canoe, without exceptionShipsIn willing waves make tradeStraying along the wind-whipped wharfParadeTheir strength against the seaBoldly bargain –‘I’ve treasures for you, what have you for me,The sum of silver nights and golden days?’ -We countAnd calmly start to reappraise

May the sun bring you energyMay the moon softly restore youMy friends, this is the essence of life:Goodwill is a precious treasure

DrinkA toast, to where we are -A honeyed draught to all held dearBut farFar away, know for sureAnother woman cries –‘A toast, to this fine place!’ - a place obscure –Yet just as prone to setting hearts ablazeTake pauseAnd calmly start to reappraise