It Is Raining On The Frederiksplein Poem by Maria Barnas

She is standing on the edge of what is just
about to happen and the surrounding trees stiffen

straight up. She folds up promises to others
spitting two words into the unyielding

white water. A dog jumps
over the edge as it begins

to rain in the fountain.
Love had to do with it

but it is only the language that is inclined.
And inclines.

Fountains make similar gestures
and the dog will shake itself out of its coat

if things go on like this. She is not sure about her hand
and where her words touch the water

two dogs begin to dawn.
One without a coat the other without a heart.

Translation: 2008, Donald Gardner