POEM
Free Verses
Sarah KirschLast night I awoke knew
That I should say goodbye now
To these verses. That's how it always goes
After a few years. They have to get out
Into the world. It's not possible to keep them
Forever! here under the roof.
Poor things. They must set out for town.
A few will be allowed to return later.
But most of them are still hanging around out there.
Who knows what will become of them. Before they
Find their peace.
Translated by Rita Dove and Fred Viebahn
Source: Poetry (October 1998).
