IMOGIRI
Between the snakes, with their open-chiselled mouths,
we ascended, hand in hand, the Steps to Heaven.
We overlooked the island, under watchful eye and god,
how much did I love this country, so much stronger in you.
We were young, still concealing ourselves behind desire.
Our future stretched in my guileless member,
from your father to my mother. Meagre children.
The salve-box already emptied prior to birth. We burned
incense, cast coins, even strewed flowers,
but you had already been bitten; your wish tasted iron-sweet.
And I kept on strewing, do so every night,
until I hear their orders in mine and see you no longer.
Publisher: In de Knipscheer, December 2003.
Book: € 15,00, cd (music by Dirk Stromberg): € 18,00. Set book + cd: € 29,50.
Postbox 6107, 2011 HC Haarlem, The Netherlands.
www.alberthagenaars.nl
www.indeknipscheer.nl
