LAUGHTER

The cause will not be mentioned on the tombstone.
Pure white like her it will leap up groaning
Mixing gravel and grass.  Spring will
Splinter and the cement will lose its strength.
(Her passing makes definite the loss of the fixed cause.)

All this is fierce, fierce and harsh.  She moved along
Without turning her head and I followed with my look:
Her back was mirrored in the glass.

Disturbingly indifferent the heavenly sister proved
By her attitude how useless are fatigue and love.

Veroniki Dalakoura
Translated from the Greek by Yannis Goumas