George Weideman – vertaal deur Tony Ullyatt
It’s as if the flowers
It’s as if the flowers are crippled this year,
with unclear eyes; the plains dull and ashen-grey –
you must come in good time so that we can search
deep gullies for wild flax and wild roses.
It’s as if the sunbird and the rain bird are silent
as stones in the desert, and stones do not grow either –
you must come, as long as my heart is still warm
and my tears can still heal.
It’s as if the days fly by like migrant birds
after a summer that we no longer know –
you must come, because you can give me wings
so that we can flee together.
It’s as if night is getting darker, sweetheart
and the stars dwindle; the moon is aloof –
you must come as long as there is light, and time
– the almond tree is white with snow.