Translated by Robin Fulton

Two Cities

Each on its side of a strait, two cities

the one blacked out, occupied by the enemy.

In the other the lamps are burning.

The bright shore hypnotizes the dark one.

I swim out in a trance

on the glittering dark waters.

A dull tuba-blast penetrates.

It’s a friend’s voice, take up your grave and walk.

The Light Streams In

Outside the window, the long beast of spring

the transparent dragon of sunlight

rushes past like an endless

suburban train—we never got a glimpse of its head.

The shoreline villas shuffle sideways

they are proud as crabs.