Livre d'Or

You! Admired, cared for, dare I say it? — Now,
If I could weave with words a worthy work,
I'd describe it so your brain could take it in,
Plainly in poetry, past the prickly parts,
Past rough stone shell that shields, and hides, the sparkling gems
You, shining, show and share, in spite of shards
Or scars, that hurt and block your hearing prosy praise;
If I brought you beauty, would you better believe?
Oder soll ich auf Deutsch schreiben, dass ich fast vergessen hab'?
Bad German's worse than stumbling verse; the treasure you deserve
So far exceeds my skill, my craft is all at sea, but still,
You, you are fearless, reflecting light from facets and from flaws,
Inspired by your example, I offer up unpolished art —
Friend, hero, esteemed, yes, I'll say it: loved!