When The Rooms -by Johannes Bobrowski

WHEN THE ROOMS

-by Johannes Bobrowski

when
the rooms are deserted
in which answers are given,

when
the walls,
and narrow passes fall,

shadows
fly out of
the trees,

when
the grass
beneath the feet
is abandoned,

white soles
tread
the wind

the bush of thorn flames,
I hear its voice
where no question was,

the waters
move
but I do not
thirst.


-translated from the German of Johannes Bobrowski (1917-1965) by Ruth and Matthew Mead