To R. Konstantinović

I wanted to listen, hear, understand
the conversation between one wave and one conch

But they told me,
nice
but have you been listening, hearing, understanding the conversation
of those who walk upright like you
of those who soar beneath heaven’s clouds like you
but like you they are not birds
they descend to the bottom of the sea like you
but like you they are not fish

Now I am silent

One ear I am turning toward the waves and the conches
the other toward the ones
who walk
upright

I am listening

Tell me yet again
When will I hear and understand and start to speak

Translated by Keith Doubt – © 2008 Keith Doubt

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