Serner, Karlsbad Poem by Thomas Kling

where even in posted areas
the censors babbled.

tall granite masses.
smoky snow. I knew

nothing, seventy-two,
about edleweiss, ocher

houses of the emperors' realm,
or an otherwise-remembrance:

'speak more clearly'
in karlovy vary.

... the (midday?) sun, weakened,
reflected by mirrors; where

the schnapps served in cut glass
and the talk bounced around

the shining marble. karlsbad sounds:
'o, speak more clearly' in smoky

snow, 'every noun
a round trip ticket.' SERNER

who left prague as well
headed for the gas.

Translation Peter Filkins