Poetry International Poetry International
Poem

Mark van Tongele

EXERCISE IN ECSTASY

Lie on your back on the arch of the sky, senses
free in the sun, and let your head dangle
over the edge of time. Offshore. Gradually
slide further until the upper reaches of your consciousness,
from the crippling knot of pain, are directly over death.
Hang back as far as possible. Once you’ve mastered
this exemptive position, you can also lean back
with your arms full of your desire. Star gardens
stretch into distance. And you shall throw your head
back forever. God’s blinding voice dazzling in yours.

OEFENING IN BUITENZINNIGHEID

OEFENING IN BUITENZINNIGHEID

Je ligt op je rug op een hemelboog in de volle zon,
de zinnen los, en je laat je hoofd achterover hangen
over de rand van de tijd. Buitengaats. Schuif geleidelijk
verder naar achteren tot je met de bovenloop van je
gedachtegang, vanaf de pijnhoop die je verlamt, over
de dood komt. Laat je zo ver mogelijk achterover hangen.
Zodra je deze ontheffende houding beheerst, kun je ook
je begeerte armvol mee achterover laten bengelen. Sterren-
gaarden in de verte reikend. En je zult voor altijd je hoofd
achterover gooien. Gods schitterlichtstem in de jouwe.
Close

EXERCISE IN ECSTASY

Lie on your back on the arch of the sky, senses
free in the sun, and let your head dangle
over the edge of time. Offshore. Gradually
slide further until the upper reaches of your consciousness,
from the crippling knot of pain, are directly over death.
Hang back as far as possible. Once you’ve mastered
this exemptive position, you can also lean back
with your arms full of your desire. Star gardens
stretch into distance. And you shall throw your head
back forever. God’s blinding voice dazzling in yours.

EXERCISE IN ECSTASY

Lie on your back on the arch of the sky, senses
free in the sun, and let your head dangle
over the edge of time. Offshore. Gradually
slide further until the upper reaches of your consciousness,
from the crippling knot of pain, are directly over death.
Hang back as far as possible. Once you’ve mastered
this exemptive position, you can also lean back
with your arms full of your desire. Star gardens
stretch into distance. And you shall throw your head
back forever. God’s blinding voice dazzling in yours.
Sponsors
Gemeente Rotterdam
Nederlands Letterenfonds
Stichting Van Beuningen Peterich-fonds
Prins Bernhard cultuurfonds
Lira fonds
Versopolis
J.E. Jurriaanse
Gefinancierd door de Europese Unie
Elise Mathilde Fonds
Stichting Verzameling van Wijngaarden-Boot
Veerhuis
VDM
Partners
LantarenVenster – Verhalenhuis Belvédère