Photo: Siiri Lind
More than 30 years ago, after the Estonian Language Mother’s Day service in Cleveland, asked my husband’s niece who does not speak Estonian, why even men are wiping tears when singing “Mother’s Heart?” That night my husband sat down and wrote the translation – a very good one, in my opinion – that can also be sung in English.
Karin Imbi Ruus
Mothers’s Heart
L. Koidula
Translated by Hans Ruus, Cleveland, Ohio
One sacred place this world beholds,
where love is sheltered, truth is told.
All things so scarce and free of fear
have found a home in heart so dear.
If mother’s love you once have known,
so safe, so tender, always shown!
It shares your joy, your happiness,
it cries with you at times of stress.
If fate is kind, have fortune, fame,
your friends will court you, praise your name;
when all forsake you, curse your soul,
if you have lost all friends you’ve known.
Then one more place on earth remains,
where tenderness and kindness reigns,
where you may weep on shoulder true –
your Mother’s love will comfort you.
Some dearest friends have passed away;
You’re filled with sadness, mourn and pray.
Time soothes all wounds; your friends restores;
Your Mother’s heart – is never more.
