Written by my father, translated by me
I plucked a wildflower from my resting place
And it was blue, as if it wore my name, my face
But I was startled suddenly by a snake
Who slinked across the path with one tail shake
I plucked a wildflower from my grave, behind
And in silence, my daughter came to mind
Where are you now? The wave swept you away
In a velvety evening, an eve of dew and ray
I was penetrated by a pouring rain
And for a moment, somehow, I felt alive again
Sensing me, the worms began to rave
I plucked a wildflower from my grave.
And a chorus of crickets kicked off a singsong
Climbing up the wall I danced away, so long!
There's no death in life, no need to feel so sad,
I would've come back already if it were all that bad
There were a few I didn't know among the mourners
I asked myself where they came from, what far corners
The crowd was small, such pity! Some were sad
To those who cried, I smiled and waved a tad.
I left countless bills behind me, heavy debts
Come over, I'll pay them back, you bet!
I stare at you across the big divide
With obvious advantage: no interest on this side
Detail from the oil painting that is used for the cover of Home
"HOME is an homage to her father... Poetry that's never been placed before the public until now"
Beautiful! And beautifullly read!
ReplyDeleteOh thank you so much Debra!
DeleteThis is stunning. I'm totally enthralled. After studying poetry in my Masters program, I abandoned it. I felt like such a dunce that I turned away.
ReplyDeleteBut another poet and you have awakened a love and I'm excited!
Wow Ellen, truly glad to have touched and reawakened your love of poetry!
ReplyDeleteLa traduction qui accompagne la voix originale c'est super.tres beau poème.
ReplyDeleteVery nice.मी तोडलं फूल माझ्या समाधीवरचं,गूढ शांतता अन् माझ्या मुलीची आठव मनी ( translation in Marathi)
ReplyDeleteDad left countless Bill's behind , just truly an unforgettable part🏂
ReplyDelete