Let prophets curse, this world despising,
Until their bloodless lips turn blue!
My friendship – like the sun arising,
Like longing – I extend to you.
In pitch-dark night we often blunder
The clouded skies seem never bright.
And yet I cannot help but wonder:
Why is the earth so full of light?
It's not the sun that we so cherish
That every morning brings us light.
It is the dawn of our great friendship
That fills us brimful of delight!
It keeps this world and us still going,
It keeps all songs alive and gay.
For friendship's sake do streams go flowing
And forests sing their roundelay.
Translated by Lionginas Paþûsis
Written by Salomeja Neris, Lithuanian poetess
