Across the road was the land
homesteads mixed farming
in acid air are the animals
clearing their throat, safe
behind the teeth of the dog
each of them servient
to a higher order
only the rooster didn't know that
I grew up at that fringe of the city
and in my absence the farms
have grown to giants
which have eaten the landscape
but they don't have an appetite
for hills and gorges, winding roads
choke them, so they leave
the Hinterland alive
For those who know Hinterland, this poem is a most beautiful exhale for the region where I have my residence. I have read the dutch version, is even lovelier than this, but I must admit both have the same Beauty concerning Hinterland. Thank you for sharing.