BALANCE
By Adam Zagajewski, translated from the Polish by Clare CavanaghI watched the arctic landscape from above
and thought of nothing, lovely nothing.
I observed white canopies of clouds, vast
expanses where no wolf tracks could be found.I thought about you and about the emptiness
that can promise one thing only: plenitude—
and that a certain sort of snowy wasteland
bursts from a surfeit of happiness.As we drew closer to our landing,
the vulnerable earth emerged among the clouds,
comic gardens forgotten by their owners,
pale grass plagued by winter and the wind.I put my book down and for an instant felt
a perfect balance between waking and dreams.
But when the plane touched concrete, then
assiduously circled the airport’s labyrinth,I once again knew nothing. The darkness
of daily wanderings resumed, the day’s sweet darkness,
the darkness of the voice that counts and measures,
remembers and forgets.
I love looking at clouds from the plane: I find it quite mesmerizing. I also love to promote Polish poetry on my blog and Adam Zagajewski is an eminent poet in my home country. I hope you can see why.
symbolreader 
Really beautiful
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I enjoy learning more about Polish artists ( my heritage also!) Thanks for sharing this poignant poem with us. Clouds are so surreal from the window seat, I feel closer to heaven taking in that particular view 😉
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Hi Linda, I almost forgot you had Polish roots.
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Yes, so had I until I met people I really liked who also share Polish ancestry 🙂
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wonderful.
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I’d never heard of this poet. It’s a big world. Even great voices aren’t broadcast everywhere. Thank you.
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You are more than welcome, Steven.
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very beautiful!
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Happy to hear it!
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I’ve nominated you for two awards! Happy New Year! http://juliannevictoria.com/2013/12/30/new-year-celebrations/
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Thank you, Julianne! Happy New Year to you as well.
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Beautiful read…Thank you for sharing it with us…
I hope the New Moon created a New Year of New Beginnings for you within your wishes
Take Care…You Matter…
)0(
BlessedBe
maryrose
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Thank you, Maryrose. I wish you a blessed New Year, too.
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