got a good swearword

The town turned round 

when I looked back. Excuse me please 

I thought you were someone else.

 

I’ve got a good swearword 

a mean bead on my tongue. 

 

I cut a striped heart out of paper. 

Don’t I dare that I need you? 

 

The world is tired and on the blue lines 

of an exercise book it’s cold. 

 

First a man still slept here. 

Now the body rises. 

I’m reduced to silence. 

 

[Maria Barnas {1973- } 'Sea of Beads', trans. from the Dutch by Donald Gardner, from Song for Three Rooms]