If you meet a chair,
that is good, you will go to Heaven.
If you meet a mountain,
that is bad, you’ll go to the chair.
If you meet the Great Bear,
that is good, you will go to Heaven.
If you meet a snail,
that is bad, you’ll go to the snail.
If you meet a woman,
that is good, you will go to Heaven.
If you meet a tablecloth,
that is bad, you will go to the cupboard.
If you meet a snake,
that is good, it will die and you’ll go to Heaven.
If the snake meets you,
that is bad, you will die and the snake go to Heaven.
If you die,
that’s bad, bad.
Beware of this omen
and of all others.
Notes
Translated by Michael Hamburger
“Omens” from Selected Poems by Marin Sorescu, translated by Michael Hamburger. Published in 1983 by Bloodaxe Books.
Leave a guest comment (subject to review)
Comments
-
I am unable to suggest a spotlight at this time due to the second day in a row of Server Error 500s but let me say that this cracks me up in the way that Frank O'hara does.
-
-
Sorry about the malfunctioning spotlight buttons. I have been in touch with Kevin about this and hopefully it will be back soon before the poem of the day list is exhausted (and before the patience of our readers is exhausted)
Jim
-
Adding your comment:
