Street lamps almost always
Street lamps almost always
Have such a servile bearing.
And in their hearts, a bitter residue
Has accumulated over the years.To stand there, stooping, a whole century
In one line, not to sleep nights,
To gaze sad-eyed,
But smile and hold one’s tongue.A dismal lot!
These bright ones, straight up,
Must live meekly, not showing any temperament
And blowing the midges away from their brows.But come the rains,
It’s their delight
To shine, when water stands in the trees,
Like water in pitchers.Let’s set off, friend, on the return journey;
Too cold and and too much starlight here.
But the earth is weighty. And it’s late –
Already the back will not unbend.[1999]
Translated by Daniel Weissbort
Page(s) 262-263
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