Translation

  • The King’s Garden

    Translated by Andrej Pleterski If I were to write she stood there,in a fast-food restaurant,ordering soft ice cream,with the nearby park in cherry blossoms,if I were to write her pink was more distinct,everywhere: the socks, the cape, the lips, the eyelids,an adorned tree with a lively past,if I were to write she had already ordered…

  • (labyrinth)

    Translated by Lars Gustaf Andersson and Carolyn Forché When I was about to leave, I was held back by the word “out.” I turned around, always prepared, in a labyrinth of my own. When I was about to enter I was held back by the word “in.”

  • PENTECOST / Pentecostes

    Translated from the Brazilian Portuguese by Ellen Doré Watson I inherited this house,which has one room I avoid,paralyzed by its icy air.I keep to a smaller spacewhere virtues and laughter,even a few seeds of joy remainintact, retain some life.But when I behold the massive entryway,I stiffen—smiling devil fearhas me in his lap:“Child, you’re very sick,let…

  • Two Poems

    Translated by Kaveh Akbar and Arman Salem صبهكه خانه را ترک مى كنم، جوانم،و شبپير به خانه باز مى گردمبا اندوهاى هزار ساله،چهار ديوارى خانه امآرام و صبورپذيراى پيرمردى است كهسحرگاهان.جوان برمى خيزد In morningWhen I leave my house, I am young And nightI return again to my house, oldHolding one thousand years of grief…

  • “Why sit like a guest”

    Translated by Boris Dralyuk           Why sit like a guestbut not wipe your feet?Every town’s built on bones,not just St. Pete. One should build homes on stone,not on a bog.True enough, but for nowthe work is a slog. My life’s on the scales—the losses won’t cease.Let me dwell in the woods—a big clumsy beast. I’d crawl…

  • The Mute Child

    Translated from the Spanish by Jenny Minniti-Shippey The child searches for his voice.(The king of the crickets had it.)In a drop of water,the child searched for his voice. I don’t want it in order to speak;I’ll make with it a ringthat will carry my silenceon his tiny finger. In a drop of water,the child searched…

  • BEETHOVEN’S GONE MAD NOW

    Translated from the Swedish by Robin Fulton Macpherson His late style is called baffling,a slap in the face for a publicardent as a pair of worn-out shoes. But the music is tired of reconciliationand seeks refuge in his rage.Let it grind, let it chafe.As when existence contracts in painround his shrinking liver. Perhaps they’ll do…