Now we are writing dirges - Debebe Seifu

The fire blazing

Its tongue flowering

Called on us

To wrap ourselves

With its flaming scarves

But you and me

Warmth-proof that we were

Began to write dirges

With left-over cinders

On a tablet

Of tear-gray ashes

---

Debebe Seifu (1950 - 2000) Ethiopia

Translated by then author

Source: Addis Journal, June 9, 2012