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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