Eugen Dorcescu: An Arch-Remembrance Poem by Paul Abucean

Like now, the day was sunny and serene
(You, inmost essence of serenity!)
Upon the hills, a hazy, smoky screen
Of ghostly trees was fading behind me.

A weary, westbound traveler was I,
Upon a long and all too winding road,
When widening ahead of me it showed
A sunken, shaded valley lying by.

And there you were. Far off, in sunset beam,
And following the twilight with your eyes,
As over castles, to the day's demise,
The sun was gently ebbing past the seam.

Beneath the walls, against the bridge's side,
You were. We were. And crazy love we made.
Then in the citadel with you I stayed,
And that, I think, is where I also died...

The road, the burg, the bridge, your kisses too,
So long ago sailed off my mem'ry's shores...
But now I see them coming back anew
On this serene and sunny smile of yours.

Eugen Dorcescu (Translated by Paul Abucean)