Small town elegy Poem by Jan Wagner

the shadow caravans that every morning
made tracks, and the carwash installation
that always awoke out of a clear sleep.

and in the delivery vans swung undecided
between yes and no half-sides of pork,
the lime trees grew hearts. and you couldn't

fit more than a sheet of paper between me and the world.
and in the gardens, hidden behind each hedge
the lawnmowers heralded the first of may.

Translation: Georgina Paul