Ivan Malkovych Poems

(An Old-World Ballad)

Along the edge of the world at night
in the light of the Lord's candle
...

Again I'll visit for a day or two,
won't help with anything again,
nervous, distracted conversations
...

children
are most like birds
brothers to angels
...

On a heap amidst thistles,
on coal, soggy from rains,
two angels dwell:
...

The spirit of Cimmerian silver
and furs has not withered here,
the quiet dignity of these
majestic women has not faded.
...

The conservatory is a xylophone of bones,
a vibration of vertebrae in musical vortexes:
on the thin necks of maiden-violinists
...

He puts on a jester's mask -
they recognize him.

He dresses in the robe of a merciless judge -
...

these soundless words that I whisper get lost somewhere
after having abruptly encountered them
for you they will become painfully clear
and you think - my god - he has professed his love
...