"Psalmodikon" by Anders Osterling
Above: Famous painting of the Psalmodikon by Ann-Margret Dahlquist-Ljungberg
The following is the English translation of "Psalmodikon", courtesy of John Langtind of Orkdal, Norway.
A poor farmer is playing his Psalmodikon In the little house, at the open fireplace, And tunes about Salem and Lebanon Brighten the poor evening.
Who is hearing his play, if not God the Lord. From high spheres is lending his ear? It is a hymn in poor man's dress. And nothing to hear by the world.
In the mixed light from the window and fireplace. He seeks with his shivering knuckles, And the psalm mingles with silent whistling. From fall-faded marshes and forests.
He's playing, this old and forgotten man, But may be the Highest in heaven. In hard times feels lonely like him. And thanks for the sign of not being forgotten.
The smallest thing grows at endless distance. As long as his song and play sounds. The earth is more than a mere lost ball. That moves in dreary circles.
