Journal of Italian Translation

Da: Flower & Hand – 1977-1983
(The Compass Flower, 1977)
The Heart
In the first chamber of the heart
all the gloves are hanging by two
the hands are bare as they come through the door
the bell rope is moving without them
they move forward cupped as though
holding water
there is a bird a thing in their palms
in this chamber there is no color
In the second chamber of the heart
all the blindfolds are hanging but one
the eyes are open as they come in
they see the bell rope moving
without hands
they see the bathing bird
being carried forward
bathing
through the colored chamber
In the third chamber of the heart
all the sounds are hanging but one
the ears hear nothing as they come through the door
the bell rope is moving like a breath
without hands
a bird is being carried forward
bathing
in total silence
In the last chamber of the heart
all the words are hanging
but one
the blood is naked as it steps through the door
with its eyes open
and a bathing bird in its hands
and with its bare feet on the sill
moving as through water
to the one stroke of the bell