POEME ROMÂNESTI ÎN LIMBI STRĂINE
Ana BLANDIANA
Which of Us
Each time you depart,
I wonder which of us has left,
When I reach out my hand
I wonder whether I seek for myself.
Each time I tell you “I love you”,
I wonder whether I speak to myself
And feel ashamed.
Long ago
I knew what you looked like,
You used to be
Incredibly tall and svelte,
I perceived where you began
And where I ended,
I could easily locate
Your lips, your neck,
Your slender clavicle,
Your boyish shoulder.
I recall that long ago
We were two,
I recall holding hands...
Which of us has been vanquished?
Which of us has endured?
Is the sole abiding body
Mine or yours?
And who
Am I yearning for?
Hard thing to do –
Only by falling silent,
Closed eyes and clenched teeth,
Can I extirpate you
From myself.
English version by Gabriela PACHIA
