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UNDERDOG

You’ve been and always will be

underrated,

your best by those above

deflated.

Your blood their wine,

their pearls your sweat,

you sansculotte, you

slaving wretch.

Your anger, like a��bomb

or dynamite,

is capable of smashing

worlds of might.

This one you rob that

one to favor,

each time you find a

brand-new savior.

Sinews, I��know, at the voice

of command,

will grasp, like a��bag,

and shake the land.

But just as your world

begins to sprout,

again, poor thing, you’re

down and out!

(Journey, 1935)

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LAST ACQUAINTANCE

When all forsake me – you abide

as evening shadows low;

with silken glances as a bride

your eyes upon me glow.

Embraces to stone shall turn one day

and pains sift into dust:

I only know how good to stay

alone with you, if I must.

The bluebird will sing in shaded night;

from the roof you will hear its wail;

my triumphs will pass before you sigh,

and I, at last, will fail.

I’ll place my heart within your palm,

my head upon your lap;

my soul, with the glimpse of the distant dawn,

shall rest without mishap.

When all forsake me – will you come...?

In scenes beyond compare

the loveliest world will bloom for some,

but you – will you be there?

(Slovenské pohľady, 1935)

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Translated by��Andrew Cincura