Clay: 14

Yannis Ritsos

You enter and descend
into the darkness
then hear a cough.
It's nothing—he says.
And nearby, steps
begin to be heard
begin to exist.


Athens—January 17, 1978

from Clay (1980) [Collected Poems: IDelta ---pg 86]

Clay: 13

Yannis Ritsos

Finding, not finding,
seeking a reason
for being here
he brushes his teeth
combs his hair
opens the window.
Only to misplace
his words
and his clothes.


Athens—January 17, 1978

from Clay (1980) [Collected Poems: IDelta ---pg 86]

Clay: 12

Yannis Ritsos

This and that
were repeated.
Especially if lies were told.
Even death gets undermined.
In the next room
feet tapping the rhythm
of a music
that can't be heard.

Athens—January 17, 1978

from Clay (1980) [Collected Poems: IDelta ---pg 85]

Clay: 11

Yannis Ritsos

Incredible—he said—
incredible—
and had fallen to his knees.
It rained.
The two bicycles were left
inexplicably
under the trees.

Athens—January 17, 1978

from Clay (1980) [Collected Poems: IDelta ---pg 85]

Clay: 10

Yannis Ritsos

Physical encounter
down deep
on mute stones
in secret water
darkness
where they tangle
the eels
and reproduce.


Athens—January 17, 1978

from Clay (1980) [Collected Poems: IDelta ---pg 84-85]

Clay: 9

Yannis Ritsos

Mud
always more mud.
Where can the river flow
with its muddy burden
dragging along
wigs of others
even your rubber boots.

Athens—January 16, 1978

from Clay (1980) [Collected Poems: IDelta ---pg 84]

Clay: 8

Yannis Ritsos

Mind
when the curtain's closed
to move at least
to the center
covering with your back
the paper tree
and the dead.

Athens—January 16, 1978

from Clay (1980) [Collected Poems: IDelta ---pg 84]