Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Account by Czeslaw Milosz

The history of my stupidity would fill many volumes. 

Some would be devoted to acting against consciousness, 
Like the flight of a moth which, had it known, 
Would have tended nevertheless toward the candle’s flame. 

Others would deal with ways to silence anxiety, 
The little whisper which, though it is a warning, is ignored. 

I would deal separately with satisfaction and pride, 
The time when I was among their adherents 
Who strut victoriously, unsuspecting. 

But all of them would have one subject, desire, 
If only my own—but no, not at all; alas, 
I was driven because I wanted to be like others. 
I was afraid of what was wild and indecent in me. 

The history of my stupidity will not be written. 
For one thing, it’s late. And the truth is laborious.