VISA

The murmur of the sea in a shell
is in truth – as we all know – the echo
of the push and pull of the body’s
tough and most enduring spasm.
Just a murmur, by purposeful design.

Do not take too much notice of this sound,
no matter what it says; it is merely a clue
to your candidacy – as time comes round –
for the burden-free journey across the Styx
to a realm of moon and stars far older than you.

VISUM

VISUM

Die ruising van die see in ‘n skulp
is eintlik – soos almal weet – náklank
van die pols en stulp van die lyf
se taai en langslewende kramp.
Net ‘n ruising, met voorbedagte rade.

Steur jou nie te veel aan dié geluid
nie, al sê dit ook wat; dis net ‘n blyk
dat jy kandidaat sal word – mettertyd –
vir die lasvrye vaart oor die Styx
na die ouwerf van ‘n maan- en sterreryk.