VASKO POPA ~

In the Village of My Ancestors



Someone hugs me

Someone looks at me with the eyes of a wolf

Someone takes off his hat

So I can see him better



Everyone asks me

Do you know how I'm related to you



Unknown old men and women

Appropriate the names

Of young men and women in my memory



I ask one among them

Tell me for God's sake

Is George the Wolf still alive



That's me one answers

With a voice from beyond the grave



I touch his cheek with my hand

And beg him with my eyes

To tell me if I'm alive too




translated by Charles Simic


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Vasko Popa
New York Review of Books
2019

EARTH ~

Vasko Popa

THE SONG OF YOUNG TRUTH


Truth sang in the darkness
On top of the limetree in the heart



The sun it said will ripen
On top of the limetree in the heart
If the eyes shine on it



We mocked the song
Seized and bound truth
And murdered it here under the limetree



The eyes were busy
Outside in another darkness
And saw nothing

ANVIL PRESS
2011