An invitation, For you Poem by Eeva Park

If you don't come quick to my garden the almond tree and bullace will wither
the bird cherry scent will vanish
if you don't come
the plum blossoms will fall off and in the spring light of the old apple trees
dandelions' dead bodies will fly in the cool morning breeze
if you don't come quick
the huge peony blossoms will open
the jasmine and grass and first strawberries will give off their scent
if you don't come
I will gather currants from the bushes for fermented wine
to bubble up the bloodstream's pulse
and I will take the potatoes out of the fields full of mouse nests
if you don't come quick
you will think that I am just a poor liar
in an empty bare garden
in the middle of mud and hoarfrost nights
if you don't come
the cleared summer wine will run out
which gives pollen closed in the peonies' heart a snowy taste

if you come only then.

Translated by Jayde Will