From 'Summer's Side', No. 4 Poem by Jan Baeke

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

see god crossing, on his way
to chop down a tree
or silently write each tongue in a notebook.

A column of ants marches up the country lane
without emphasis, without a message
without offspring or firm.

Across the same country lane farm labourers
and the survivors of a pitch-black era
had walked into the village.

The cherries had been picked, wood lay in piles next to houses
the stoves were kept burning with unread proclamations.

The mayor stood in the pub's doorway.
‘Have you had anything to eat?'
‘Yes, plenty,' spoke the only one
who still had a tongue.

*

Children's voices call out kiss me kiss me.
No smoky voices.

Translation: 2008, Willem Groenewegen