Vigil Poem by Stefano Dal Bianco

The road is paved,
black like the reflection of the earth around it
like the foliage of the trees
and like the large isolated boulders,
so much that if anyone were to walk on it uphill
they would not feel the effort
because their shoes and pants
would also be black
and walking would be only letting oneself
be absorbed by the rising blackness,
a going close to the stream
and its roar.

Thus I was lifted up
like a striped sweater
crossing the moonless night
and wavering.

And thus I spoke
because I wanted to bid farewell, or see you again,
as a form of salutation or thanks.

But I don't very well know to whom, other than to the darkness
I may have said goodbye,
I'm leaving for the city,
nor to whom I have wished sleep,
other than to the darkness,
when I blew sleep,
sleep for me too,
and went away uplifted.

Translation: 2004, Gabriele Poole