Inger Christensen
Father - Son
I wish I could remember
whether I've done anything
the letter you received
was full of hidden meanings
the burning bush
did not burn me
this morning I got up too late

I wrote the letter
and never did send it
I lay at the stake
but never was burned
you sit in your chair
and nothing has happened

I wish I could remember
whether I've done anything

(from "Light", 1962)

translated from the Danish by Susanna Nied, New York, New Directions: 2011

(c)