My Sister Does Not Write Poems ~ Wislawa Szymborska Translated from Polish by Magnus J. Krynski and Robert A. Maguire My sister does not write poems and it’s unlikely she’ll suddenly start writing poems. She takes after her mother, who did not write poems, and her father, who also did not write poems. Under my […]
Today’s poem is from Margaret Atwood, in honor of her birthday. Sekhmet, The Lion-Headed Goddess of War ~Margaret Atwood He was the sort of man who wouldn’t hurt a fly. Many flies are now alive while he is not. He was not my patron. He preferred full granaries, I battle. My roar meant slaughter. Yet […]
Going Blind ~ Rainer Maria Rilke Translated from German by Walter Arndt She sat at tea just like the others. First I merely had a notion that this guest Held up her cup not quite like all the rest. And once she gave a smile. It almost hurt. When they arose at last, with talk […]
The Zen of Housework ~ Al Zolynas I look over my shoulder down my arms to where they disappear under water into hands inside pink rubber gloves moiling among dinner dishes. My hands lift a wine glass, holding it by the stem and under the bowl. It breaks the surface like a chalice rising from […]
Ancient Air ~ Li Po Translated from Chinese by J. P. Seaton Climbed high, to gaze upon the sea, Heaven and Earth, so vast, so vast. Frost clothes all things in Autumn, Winds waft, the broad wastes cold. Glory, splendor; eastward flowing stream, This world’s affairs, just waves. White sun covered, its dying rays, The […]
