Mohammed Dib

1920 - 2003 / Tlemcen / Algeria

At The Lowest Point

go on into the flames
with a clamor of insects
an indiscernible dust
a shape through blazing

with an enigma that makes you
gesture beneath the barren voice
and going on catch fire
immobile on a ridge

take your place for the vigil
and leave at night in a flood
or in blood like an outcry
beyond the reach of words

-Translated from the French by Carol Lettieri and Paul Vangelisti
152 Total read