Work in progress
growing continually
A small room,
shelter from the world’s ills.
A small chair
that hugs
that braces.
Old clothes
worn out comfortably
thread-bare.
Old shoes
that have served
that have worked.
A decanter, a plate, water
water to wash in.
A towel, rough.
A stove, charcoal fire,
fire, warmth.
A crumb of bread,
milk in a bottle
fruit on a plate.
A cigarette,
half gone,
smoking.
A letter,
a note-book of memories,
a newspaper.
Kinsmen in a frame,
photo of a friend.
A bedside lamp,
on the wall shadows
a picture.
Books,
books,
books
(to lean on, to run to, to hide in)
that are company,
that teach,
that bait a dialogue.
A bed, a mattress, a pillow
a bed to sink into
repose.
Sleep,
sleep,
sleep.
Also others,
also many
many others.
Provide solace.
Gebre Kristos Desta (1932 - 1981) Ethiopia
Translated by Solomon Deressa.
Source: allaboutETHIO
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