Poetry International Poetry International
Poem

Anna Enquist

GOOD ADVICE

Beware of repetition, the malignant
dawn, the looming threat of meals
on the dining-room table; resist

the film of her end when you lie down,
every night – get up, refuse. Again and
again, it will not help. Sit down then

at the piano and flee into your fingers.
Translate notes, limit yourself to
a modest review, two measures at most.

Gradually the music consumes you. You slip
through the bars of sound you have raised,
patiently repeating the healing notes.

GOEDE RAAD

GOEDE RAAD

Hoed je voor de herhaling, de kwaadaardige
dageraad, het opdoemen van dreigende
maaltijden op de eettafel; verzet je

tegen de film van haar einde zodra je ligt,
elke nacht weer – sta op, weiger. Keer
op keer zal het niet baten. Neem dan plaats

aan de vleugel en vlucht in je vingers. Ga
noten vertalen, beperk je tot het bescheiden
hernemen van hooguit twee maten.

Gaandeweg vreet de frase je op. Je glipt
door de spijlen van klank die je opricht,
geduldig, heilzaam de noten herhalend.
Close

GOOD ADVICE

Beware of repetition, the malignant
dawn, the looming threat of meals
on the dining-room table; resist

the film of her end when you lie down,
every night – get up, refuse. Again and
again, it will not help. Sit down then

at the piano and flee into your fingers.
Translate notes, limit yourself to
a modest review, two measures at most.

Gradually the music consumes you. You slip
through the bars of sound you have raised,
patiently repeating the healing notes.

GOOD ADVICE

Beware of repetition, the malignant
dawn, the looming threat of meals
on the dining-room table; resist

the film of her end when you lie down,
every night – get up, refuse. Again and
again, it will not help. Sit down then

at the piano and flee into your fingers.
Translate notes, limit yourself to
a modest review, two measures at most.

Gradually the music consumes you. You slip
through the bars of sound you have raised,
patiently repeating the healing notes.
Sponsors
Gemeente Rotterdam
Nederlands Letterenfonds
Stichting Van Beuningen Peterich-fonds
Ludo Pieters Gastschrijver Fonds
Lira fonds
Partners
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