Two Poems for T. by Cesare Pavese
MARGINALIA • SKIP TO THE POEM
Two Poems for T.
Cesare Pavese
Translated by Geoffrey BrockThe plants of the lake
saw you one morning.
The stones the goats the sweat
exist outside of days
like the water of the lake.
The lake remains unmarked
by the days’ pain and clamor.
The mornings will pass,
the anguish will pass,
other stones and sweat
will bite into your blood—
it won’t always be like this.
You’ll rediscover something.
Another morning will come
when, beyond the clamor,
you’ll be alone on the lake.You also are love.
Made of blood and earth
like the others. You walk
like one who won’t stray far
from your own front door.
You watch like one who waits
and doesn’t see. You are earth
that aches and keeps silent.
You have bursts and lapses,
you have words — you walk
and wait. Your blood
is love — that’s all.
[expand title=”Endnotes” tag=”h6″ expanded=”true”]
This poem appeared in Disaffections: Complete Poems 1930-1950 by Cesare Pavese, translated by Geoffrey Brock, published by Copper Canyon Press, 2002. Shared here with profound gratitude.
Read more works by Cesare Pavese • Find books by this poet • Find books by this translator • Or view my library
Explore poems in pursuit of: self • love • healing • Or browse the index
[/expand]
[expand title=”Dear Reader” tag=”h6″]
This little corner of the world is my passion project since 2005. My commitment is that it will always remain free to all. If this place holds meaning for you, would you consider supporting it? This can be in the form of a cup of coffee (+ other ways).
Note that Read A Little Poetry may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through any links on this site. It is at no additional cost to you and helps in the upkeep of this space.
Thank you for being here all these years—and into the future—as I hold poets to the light.
[/expand]
a.
keeping up with this blog has kept me sane for the past four months. i hope you haven’t been updating because you’re doing something wonderful, and i also hope you come back soon!
Dawn
Hello T! Hope you’re doing well. I miss your posts! Do come back soon 🙂
Lykaios
Echoing the last poster – I hope everything’s okay~