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Sunday, March 06, 2016

Let Her Read

—Anonymous Photo



POET AS HOUSEWIFE
—Elisabeth Eybers (1915-2007)

Always a broom leaned against a wall,
meals never on time, if they come at all.

Days without dates through which she moves
empty and stubborn, slightly confused.

Ironing hung dejectedly over a chair,
gestures that come from who-knows-where.

Old letters unanswered, piled together,
papers and pills stuffed deep in a drawer.

Thankful to be part of your heart’s great whole
yet devoted to the limits of her own small skull.

O orderly biped, take heed,
leave her alone—let her read.


(trans. from the Afrikaans by Jacquelyn Pope)

___________________

—Medusa

For more about Elisabeth Eybers, go to www.dbnl.org/tekst/_low001199801_01/_low001199801_01_0032.php