An Anthology of Czechoslovak Poetry/Czech Poetry/Adolf Heyduk
ADOLF HEYDUK
(1835–1923)
Heyduk was born in Rychmburk, and belonged in the group with Neruda and Hálek, as a follower of Erben. He has a keen eye for natural beauty, and his love for Slovakia led him to play an important rôle in preparing the union of Slovaks and Czechs.
THOUGHTS ON A SPRING STORM
Springtime tempest, springtime tempest,How you scatter dust and snow!Field and forest stir and quicken;Mountain ice-drifts melt and go.
Springtime tempest, springtime tempest,Earth grows spotless in your train;Trunks once bare now bud in beauty;From the furrows springs the grain.
Springtime tempest, how you vanquishAll that rots and putrefies!As a cleansing springtime tempestWhen, my folk, wilt thou arise?Translated by Watson Kirkconnell