Maria Pawlikowska-Jasnorzewska - The Poems

THE WITCH'S KINDRED (Rodzina czarownicy)

I pledge you lifelong love: belladonna,
the dark Valencienne lace of the elderflower,
the crow, new moon, hemlock's grey bell,
tobacco flowering in the night,
the toad, hyena, and the eagle owl.
I, a witch without a broomstick but with a burnt heart, lovesick
for some poor distant demon, gazing clear
into the world like a crystal ball,
I press you to my soul and love you all.
You are the witch's kindred –
feared, beloved...
(1928)