‘BETWEEN OLD AND AGED’

I arranged civil affairs
To the bureaucrats’ satisfaction.

I arranged legal affairs
To the relatives’ displeasure.

I prepared earthly affairs
To the doctors’ consternation.

Now, just you and me.
Because my father and mother left me in bud.

Now, just you and me.
The books, the pictures: for my cloak

They will throw dice.  No matter, no matter.
Nahum made a promise on your behalf: he said,

Trouble will not strike twice.  And I,
Like an afternoon shadow bending beneath me, crouch.

Your love, your awe and the self-concealment
Were apparent.

Ablaze, the ship approaches, and he withdraws,
Oh my dear ones, like the horizon.  And I ever

Greatly long.  Now, just you and me.  Again:
Just you and me.  In early morning, by the shore.

BETWEEN OLD AND AGED