Woman in Love
Alejandra Pizarnik

this odd dismal habit of living

this hidden joke of life

it pulls you alejandra don’t deny it

 

today you looked in the mirror

and were sad you were alone

the rumbling light the air sang

but your love did not return

 

you’ll send messages you’ll smile

your hands will shake thus

your love loving so

 

you hear the lunatic siren that robbed

the boat with beards of foam

where laughter died

you remember the last embrace

oh no anguish

she laughs in the handkerchief cries to cackles

but closes the doors on your face

so they will not soon say

that beloved woman was you

 

the days sting you

the nights blame

life hurts you more and more

desperate, where are you going

desperate, nothing more

 

Translated from the Spanish by Jason Stumpf