Thursday, May 1, 2008

ID Card

Yannis Ritsos

The man that moves through immovable time with his hat
pulled down over his eyes and a piece of ice in his mouth—you recognize him
by his right hand which he keeps in his pocket
as though it might be wooden or hiding a brand new glove
or clutching an ID card he hopes he never has to show.
Though perhaps it's only the nail used to hold up that painting of the sea,
the one with the life preservers and the large lemon tree.

Athens, May Day 1972


Note: Ritsos was born on May Day. What could be more fitting?

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