Saturday, 17 August 2024

Monique Wilmer-Leegwater: 'Nachtzijde'

 

Night side

 

I

 

It is accomplished, night falls

like an ambush. Around me I visualise

a space that is impenetrable.

Strengthen my limbs. Breathe out. Breathe in.

 

Animals on the shelves. Hares, pheasants, deer,

horses, pigs, sheep, rabbits, ducks.

 

Breasts, backs, lungs, paws, muscles, heads,

hearts. Remains of a final time.

 

Echo of their cries.

 

 

II

 

The jackdaws in the eaves know me by name

call me every morning.

 

All jackdaws have strong feet.

All jackdaws two blue-white eyes.

Gleaming feathers on their heads

Jet-black wings.

 

I miss the lame one in the row, his blind eye fixed on me.



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