WHAT THE LIZARD TOLD ME 

Look at this place,
the rocks’ blond beard
the blotched sky
the pock-marked faces of the sprites
lurking behind the trees and hovels
look at the tigresses in their trappings
the smoking plateaus
the black birds of the downpour
that’s coming to drown you
and you, you still can’t tell
the Great Bear from the hungry wolf
who’s ready to follow you,
should you escape,
deep into the forest of cities
faithful dog
to fasten at last on your tender
throat.

(Translated by Simon Darragh, Agenda, Greek poetry –new voices and Ancient Echoes, guest editor: David Connolly, vol.36 Nos. 3-4, spring 1999)