Engl. Trans  Lauridsen  Contre qui, rose?
aus:  "Les Chansons des Roses"
Text: Rainer Maria Rilke

Against whom, rose,
have you assumed
these thorns?
Is it your joyful, fine feelings
which forced you
to choose such weapons?

But from whom does it protect you,
this exaggerated defense?
How many enemies have I
kept from you who did not fear it at all.
On the contrary,
from summer to autumn
you wound the affection
that is given you.
(Transl.: Barbara and Erica Muhl)