The Orphan

Maadligi, vettligi maja, külgpidi sees – laeni täis lainete kaja, kajakad läve ees. Orb oma ainsama lamba õhtul koju tõi mäelt, all poiste pilava kamba, kinni pidades häält. Istus ja nuttis siis hilja, jalgadel merevaht. Küpset ruugavat vilja – põimis palmikut kaht. Viires kas hüüdis ta nime? Kuu kuldas lainetel tee. Ühtaegu valge ja pime – kaelas tal voogude kee… Maadligi, vettligi maja, külgpidi sees – laeni täis lainete kaja. Pisarad läve ees.

House bent to earth and water One side sloping more Echo of waves in the rafters Seagulls around the door Orphan bringing her lambkin Home at dusk from the hill Bully-boy gang was sneering, Saw her silent, still. Late night waking and weeping Sea-foam on her feet Ripe gold corn she was weaving Twin plaits braided neat. Was it a tern that called her? Gilding a wave-track, the moon. Here the light, there the shadow, Pearl-string streaming down. House bent to earth and water One side sloping more Echo of waves in the rafters Sea of tears at the door