Saturday, January 10, 2015

Fragment 31 by Anne Carson

He seems to me equal to gods that man 
whoever he is who opposite you 
sits and listens close 
           to your sweet speaking

and lovely laughing—oh it 
puts the heart in my chest on wings 
for when I look at you, even a moment, no speaking 
           is left in me

no: tongue breaks and thin 
fire is racing under skin 
and in eyes no sight and drumming 
           fills ears

and cold sweat holds me and shaking 
grips me all, greener than grass 
I am and dead—or almost 
           I seem to me.