THE POEM

Ants and children play nearby by Cristanziano Serricchio

Only white clouds travel

from the bald peak of the sun

to the plain and the Apulian desert

is a tide of light, that plucks

tufts of green on the hills.

The smoke of summer trains

scatters among the stubbly trails

and the Tavoliere is huge

desolate fire.

A still time caresses the leaves

and noon filters on the barnyard

glimmers of fresh sand.

Ants and children play nearby:

here between cracked rocks

shiny lines in black processions,

there in the grass, hems of white baby garments

chasing fairies and queens.

But beyond the hedge, those eyes,

distracted by the passing bee,

do not perceive on the curve of the sea

secluded faraway horizons.

(Translation by Cristanziano Luca Serricchio)

From Questi Ragazzi (1991), in Poems of Tomorrow. Selected Poems 1978-2010 (2011)

Edited by Plinio Perilli

Villanova (Ostuni). Photo Archivio Fotogramma

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