Why did the lamp go out? [The Gardener LII] [German translation]

Why did the lamp go out?

I shaded it with my cloak

to save it from the wind,

that is why the lamp went out.

Why did the flower fade?

I pressed it to my heart

with anxious love,

that is why the flower faded.

Why did the stream dry up?

I put a dam across it

to have it for my use,

that is why the stream dried up.

Why did the harp-string break?

I tried to force a note

that was beyond its power,

that is why the harp-string is broken.

• Artist:Rabindranath Tagore