Here, Still Here

YVES BONNEFOY + JACKSON MATHEWS

FROM "A UNE TERRE D'AUBE"

HERE, STILL HERE

Here, in the bright clear place. No longer dawn,

It is day already, with its speakable desires.

Of the mirages of song in your dream, there remains

But this sparkle of stones to come.

Here, until evening. The rose of the shadows

Will turn on the walls. The rose of the hours

Will drop its petals with no noise. The bright flagstones

Will lead where they will these steps in love with day.

Here, still here. Stone on stone

Has built the country told of by memory.

Hardly does the sound of simple fruits falling

Raise the fever in you again of time that will soon be cured.