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A Memento Mori
Benjamin Senior Godines
1681
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Benjamin Senior Godines was a Dutch Jewish engraver and calligrapher active in Amsterdam, ca. 1679–1690. He is credited with several paintings and illustrations for birkonim (Grace after Meals booklets). He was the brother of the prominent poet and translator Moses Belmonte.
Who cares if eternity won’t know me,
if no one ever watches my footsteps—
but now, right now, when hearts are burning,
I come with fists in my song.
Of course I’d like to sing myself away,
to cry…
Words forsaken—fallen leaves,
Let the wind scatter you,
And let me forget you.
I will remain like a wintry tree
Behind closed eyes, still
And silent.
Both the night will cradle me, ay-lu,
And the…