I STAND

©Osman GASHI

Translated by Plator Gashi

I stand
like a living torso among the shadows
unable to greet
those who loved me
and the birds that flew past

I stand
and the night beside me
heavy, fickle
a rotten boat in a forgotten harbour
I dread and laugh
from a feeling of eternity

crippled memories beckon me
until,
from the bronze-like sky
rain of sorrow
falls…