AN EVENING WITH GREAT-GRANDMA

when I was

five years old

a little devil

moved into

our pantry

I brought him food

I talked with him

occasionally

when many guests

would visit us

I would even lend him

dad’s necktie

now

I cannot die

until I pass him along to someone else

until I hand him over

so I lay

suffering

I cannot die

everyone is afraid

to shake my hand

please invite me

to dance

Translated by Mark Andryczyk