SELF PORTRAIT Poem by Raúl Henao

Oh, my face is as stupid as undergrowth



I prefer the chirping of crickets to
the song of birds



Eternity to time



Wardrobes fall to pieces as I pass
Each night a man that died laughing
Sits at my table



The phantom of liberty visits me at dawn



I knock at the windows of my dreams



Absent hands seem pale under the pillow



I read the sunday papers (no comment)



What happiness! I shall die being uncorked
Like a bottle of champagne



Translated by Philip West