Poems from 'Present Jour' (translated by David Gascoyne)

 
1. The Bird on the Breasts

At the ford crossed by night
at this graceful outline of bodies
mounting the steps of ruined houses
a scared dream struggles
crossed by the lain-down breasts of women
on which the shadow of branches stirs
and on these surfaces of flesh
using up their duration
vivaciously a bird
sings and treads
in the hour that's striking.
 
2. Empty Suit
Empty suit at the bottom of a cellar
badly resists wearing out all alone
enveloped in damp
...