world of illusion

     Jude Stefan

Out of despair for love that has not
matured Out of despair for death
that has already planned me Out of despair
for sex that weighed us down Out
of despair for man who is only
misery Out of despair for time that
is only dust Out of despair for
art that did not visit Out of des-
pair for the soul that was not
found. Out of despair for the self that
knew only shame. Out of des-
pair for suicide that is only an
alibi Out of despair of the world
an illusion Out of despair where to
bury oneself? In study out of forgetfulness
in debauchery by misfortune but

        in the sea to wash

Translated by Anne Talvaz