in the greenhouse

The lemon bushes overflowed
with the patter of mole paws,
the scythe shined
in its rosary of cautious water drops.

A dot, a ladybug,
ignited above the quince berries
as the snort of a rearing pony broke through,
bored with his rub-down—then the dream took over.

Kidnapped, and weightless, I was drenched
with you, your outline
was my hidden breath, your face
merged with my face, and the dark

idea of God descended
upon the living few, amid heavenly
sounds, amid childish drums,
amid suspended globes of lightning

upon me, upon you, and over the lemons...




In the Greenhouse by Eugenio Montale
translated by Charles Wright

I was introduced to Eugenio Montale, 1975 Nobel Laureate, by the lovely Merisi, who often posts his work on her blog. Unfortunately, I don't speak Italian, the original language in which he composed, so a bit of the magic is lost. But, even translated into English, his poetry is marvelous. I found a little soft cover book of his poetry the last time I visited my favorite little second hand bookshop; you know, the one with the creaky hardwood floors.

photo from google images