Marx G. Sabel

From “Annotations”

THINGS have come to a fine pass!

Just now,

As I sat teasing shy thoughts,

A strange load lifted

Of its own volition!

Maybe I should make a moan,

Or gurgle in my throat a bit,

On losing suddenly

And for no apparent reason

The strange load—

The little weight of chosen sorrowings,

The small warm woes of love.

Little lady whom my heart has nurtured,

The pressure of your petulance

Has passed;

Your eyes’ chatoyancy

In the deep dark night of my heart’s heart

Has faded,

And the phosphorescent glimmers of your body

In the center of my mind

Have faded.

Faded … lifted … faded …

Entirely done away with.

Shall I miss the strange load lifted,

Having carried it so far,

So long, with such great care?

Now I arise from a cramped posture,

Now I slowly swing my shoulders back

And take a deep breath!

Now I shatter heights of thin air,

Stretching forth rejuvenescent fingers!

Yes … surely …

Things have come to a fine pass,

A fine pass, indeed.