Now I Am Awaiting

Like another Master Mason Manole

I immured my woman

alive within the walls.

When my thorough work

was almost accomplished,

I was unquenchably

yearning for her.

I craved to see her eyes –

so I shattered the wall

down to her eyes.

I craved to see her mouth –

so I shattered the wall

down to her mouth.

I craved to embrace her waist –

so I shattered the wall

down to her waistline.

I craved to caress her crushed

knees –

so I shattered the wall

down to her knees.

I meant to take her measurements

for some new footware –

so I shattered the wall

down to her soles.

Now I’m expecting

someone to take my head :

be it the woman,

or the emperor.

1968

English version by Gabriela PACHIA