Venice masks

Wednesday, 16 July 2025

My land - Martin Camaj

When I die, may I turn into grass
On my mountains in spring,
In autumn I will turn to seed.
 
When I die, may I turn into water,
My misty breath
Will fall onto the meadows as rain.
 
When I die, may I turn into stone,
On the confines of my land
May I be a landmark.

Martin Camaj (1925-1992) Albania
Translated by Robert Elsie
Source: An Elusive Eagle Soars. Anthology of Modern Albanian Poetry, edited and translated with an introduction by Robert Elsie, UNESCO, Forest Books, 1993

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