translation by Patty Crane
Insecurity’s Kingdom
The Under Secretary leans forward and draws an X
and her earrings dangle like Damocles’sword.
As a spotted butterfly turns invisible in a field
so the demon blends in with the spread-open newspaper.
A helmet worn by no one has taken power.
The mother turtle flees, flying under water.
Contributor’s notes: Tomas Tranströmer
Contributor’s notes: Patty Crane
Sorrow Gondola (Sorgegondolen) Introduction & Suite Contents
Sorrow Gondola Table of Contents