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Love at First Sight by Wislawa SzymborskaThey both thoughtthat a sudden feeling had united themThis certainty is beautiful,Even more beautiful than uncertainty.They thought they didn't know each other,nothing had ever happened between them,These streets, these stairs, this corridors,Where they could have met so long ago?I would like to ask them,if they can remember -perhaps in a revolving doorface to face one day?A "sorry" in the crowd?"Wrong number" on the 'phone?- but I know the answer.No, they don't remember.How surprised they would beFor such a long time alreadyFate has been playing with them.Not quite yet readyto change into destiny,which brings them nearer and yet further,cutting their pathand stifling a laugh,escaping ever further;There were sings, indications,undecipherable, what does in matter.Three years ago, perhapsor even last Tuesday,this leaf flyingfrom one shoulder to another?Something lost and gathered.Who knows, perhaps a ball alreadyin the bushes, in childhood?There were handles, door bells,where, on the trace of a hand,another hand was placed;suitcases next to one another in theleft luggage.And maybe one night the same dreamforgotten on walking;But every beginningis only a continuationand the book of fate isalways open in the middle.Translation from Polish by Roman GrenTranslation from French by Sarah Hardenberg
2005年08月08日 03点08分
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