Kristina Lugn (Sweden, 1948)
Kristina Lugn (Sweden, 1948)
You will have a panoramic window
for child support.
The stars shall form your living room wallpaper
and Mozart will write the music.
You will have a home
that loves you.
You will have a sense of humour.
And the collected works of Strindberg.
And all my grandchildren.
My gift for you is that you will speak many languages
and tolerate all kinds of weather.
You will have your feet firmly on the ground
and vertiginous ceiling heights with ornaments.
You will have a life
that forgives you anything.
A bright mind you will have.
And strong feelings.
You will have fun.
All of this is written in your home owners insurance.
You will be left alone.
My sustenance is that you will never ever
give up hoping.
You will have a brave heart.
And an energetic mind.
And good judgement.
The one you trust
never lets go of your hand.
My Christmas gift for you is that if you fall
your fellow beings will be happy to catch you.
A friendly smile will accompany you throughout your entire journey.
A warrant of exemption I will send from my solitude.
You will not inheritate anything at all from me.
But you will have all the money.
Tranlated by Maria Kallin