You've seen balloons set, haven't you? [German translation]

You've seen Balloons set — Haven't You?

So stately they ascend —

It is as Swans — discarded You,

For Duties Diamond —

Their Liquid Feet go softly out

Upon a Sea of Blonde —

They spurn the Air, as t'were too mean

For Creatures so renowned —

Their Ribbons just beyond the eye —

They struggle — some — for Breath —

And yet the Crowd applaud, below —

They would not encore — Death —

The Gilded Creature strains — and spins —

Trips frantic in a Tree —

Tears open her imperial Veins —

And tumbles in the Sea —

The Crowd — retire with an Oath —

The Dust in Streets — go down —

And Clerks in Counting Rooms

Observe — "'Twas only a Balloon" —

• Artist:Emily Dickinson