INTIMATE VERSES
(Translated by Nelson Ascher)

No one attended, as you 've seen, your last 
Chimera's awe-inspiring funeral. 
Ingratitude - that panther - has been all 
Your company, but it has been steadfast!

Get used to mud: soon it will hold you fast! 
Man living among wild beasts on this foul 
And sordid earth cannot resist the call 
To turn himself as well into a beast.

Here, take a match. Now light your cigarette! 
A kiss is but the eve of being spat, 
A stroking hand, my friend, may stone you too.

If your great wound still saddens anyone, 
Cast at that vile hand stroking you a stone, 
Spit straight into the mouth that kisses you!