I asked the sky
‘Why am I here?'
It swallowed my words
and waited for more.

I wondered what else I could add.
I asked the earth
‘Why am I here?'
It shrugged its mountains.

I asked the fire
‘Why am I here?'
Busily crackling
it did not hear a word.

I went to the well
and asked the water
‘Why am I here?'
‘Come down to me and I'll tell you.'

‘Actually' I said
‘I was only asking.'

Translated by Gregory O'Donoghue