Jan Baeke

You play a game.

You work according to the rules, but don't say, afterwards
give him a day to get out of sight.
...

Not a sound. Not a single sound.
Something in the mechanism had been moved
as a result of which the dog failed to bark.
...

So beautiful, so useful, so unrelenting
this moon, while you are sitting next to me
while flowers bounce off you
and none of my words or glances
...

One thing holds, the other does not.
Today two hours of yesterday's repeats.
We have plenty of time, take note:
...

It's right, but not because it's true.

I have walked around for an hour.
Always the same window, not even a clear view.
...

A man like the one recently found, nicely made
a little younger for this occasion and glancing
in such a way that his hand can shake yours
and his voice can bring coolness.
...

How to stay ahead of the heat?

Sweat, sit still, think of one's duty
to keep thoughts empty, be light for example
or embrace the murmur of creation
...

Motionless. On the other hand
the body turned over along a line of trees
skipping thoughts, a wandering line.
...

Words like coffee, sun and car
don't wear as easily in use
as beauty, restlessness and sleep.
...

On the road as always, read my hand
bought a canary
saw you.
...

I can put everything in different places.
Put down the table where the light doesn't reach it.

I've set out water and soda
...

I saw spring come and wondered
how we should embark on this
new, ever-recurring time.
...

See how I talk to you between two flashes.
Flesh under the dresses
downy bumble bees buzzing past.
For our bodies this summer is much too hot.
...

It's a lot of work, it tends to be too much work
love, said our advisers, was warm and full of folds.
We could picture this.
...

Glad we were able to strike at the heart.
Written to the brotherhood
that we lack the ability to really access our knowledge
but should hope that through faith
...

An ideal spot for history is difficult to find.
The radio reports that traffic was severely hindered. Then
the uncertainty about the numbers.
What a nerve, beside the motion of the land
...

Words like coffee, sun and car
don't wear as easily in use
as beauty, restlessness and sleep.
...

How to stay ahead of the heat?

Sweat, sit still, think of one's duty
to keep thoughts empty, be light for example
or embrace the murmur of creation
...