The Last Day Of Summer Poem by José Tolentino Mendonça

Sometimes I miss having no one I can tell
a certain day from beginning to end
the real enchantment of the steady wind
all along the shore at Foz do Douro
what I'd give (and I'd give everything) for compassion

We're born and we live for only a while
we have nothing
and not even when dusk arrives are we able
to choose attention or choose forgetfulness
our forces founder like hazy intentions
in public
or in any place

That's why I put so much stock
in the unquestionable nature of your eyes
where the light records its every aspect
your impatient and inconceivable eyes
here with me now
as I dance alone
in the empty city

Translation: 2006, Richard Zenith