Plains so vast!
Peaks so high!
What grass fumes in Golestane!
I was searching in this village
for the trace of a dream, a shock
of light, a pebble or smile.

Behind the poplars
forgetfulness was calling.

I stood next to the wind
in a reed-bed and listened.
Who was speaking?
A lizard plopped. I went on my way
through a field of alfalfa,
contours of cucumber and safflower.
Earth stores its oblivions.

Removing my cotton slippers
I sat with my feet in a stream.
'How green I am today', I thought,
'how alert my body.
But what if there is some pain
lurking behind the mountains,
some threat in the trees?
But no, only a cow stands there
grazing in the parched noon.
Shadows comprehend this heat,
shadows without a fleck of light.
Children, creatures of feeling,
here is just the corner for you,
a playground airy and clean!

Perhaps after all
there are reasons for living,
love, apples, welcome poppies.