ODE
Pierre de Ronsard (16th century French poet; maybe the best ever)
trans. p.t.

Many in many lands
Have been transformed out of their bodies
Into something new:
Some into snakes, some into stones;
Some into flowers, some into trees;
Some into wolves, some into doves;
Some have seen themselves suddenly streams,
Some swallows.

I would like to be a mirror,
So that you would always gaze on me;
I would like to be your chemise,
So you would often drape yourself with me --
Willingly I would become water
So I could wash over your body,
Perfume, so I could perfume you everywhere.

I would like to be the ribbon in the gown
that encircles your breasts;
I would like to be the necklace
around your ivory throat.
I would like to be the redness
that colours your lips,
That night and day, I could kiss
those lips, that beautiful mouth.