Poetry International Poetry International
Poem

Raúl Henao

SELF PORTRAIT

Oh, my face is as stupid as undergrowth



I prefer the chirping of crickets to
the song of birds



Eternity to time



Wardrobes fall to pieces as I pass
Each night a man that died laughing
Sits at my table



The phantom of liberty visits me at dawn



I knock at the windows of my dreams



Absent hands seem pale under the pillow



I read the sunday papers (no comment)



What happiness! I shall die being uncorked
Like a bottle of champagne



Translated by Philip West

AUTORRETRATO

AUTORRETRATO

Ah, mi rostro estúpido como la maleza



Prefiero el chirrido del grillo al canto
de los pájaros



la eternidad al tiempo.



Los armarios se desarman a mi paso
Un muerto de risa se sienta cada noche
a mi mesa.



El fantasma de la libertad me visita al amanecer



golpea con sus nudillos los cristales de mi sueño.



Las manos de la ausente tan pálidas bajo  la almohada.



Leo los periódicos del domingo (esto sin comentarios)



¡Qué alegre! moriré descorchado como
una botella de champaña.
Close

SELF PORTRAIT

Oh, my face is as stupid as undergrowth



I prefer the chirping of crickets to
the song of birds



Eternity to time



Wardrobes fall to pieces as I pass
Each night a man that died laughing
Sits at my table



The phantom of liberty visits me at dawn



I knock at the windows of my dreams



Absent hands seem pale under the pillow



I read the sunday papers (no comment)



What happiness! I shall die being uncorked
Like a bottle of champagne



Translated by Philip West

SELF PORTRAIT

Oh, my face is as stupid as undergrowth



I prefer the chirping of crickets to
the song of birds



Eternity to time



Wardrobes fall to pieces as I pass
Each night a man that died laughing
Sits at my table



The phantom of liberty visits me at dawn



I knock at the windows of my dreams



Absent hands seem pale under the pillow



I read the sunday papers (no comment)



What happiness! I shall die being uncorked
Like a bottle of champagne



Translated by Philip West
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