altxorren mapak besapean
etxea utzi eta ondinen
abestien xerka abiatu ninduzun
izuen gordelekuetan barrena
sukarri urdinarre tipiak
eta oihan beltzetako xokotan
usteltzen diren xoxo habiak soilik
nizkizun bidaian eriden
denborak bidea ahorturik
etxera itzuli ninduzunean
berria zizun ateko zura
eta sarraila ere
Joseba Sarrionandia (Spain, 1958) translated by Amaia Gabantxo
Source: Arc Publication, UK
Return Home
laden with treasure maps
you sent me from home
into the recesses of fear
in search of the nymphs’ song
all I got for you on my journey
were small grey flint stones
and the rotting nests of blackbirds
that inhabit the belly of dark jungles
time ate up the road
and I returned home to you
and your wooden door was new
and so was your lock