Restul Pe Masa / The Change On The Table Poem by Magdalena Biela

Am o deprindere monstruoasa aproape
Nu-mi place sa fiu datoare nimanui.
Doctorului care ma vindeca ii trimit flori,
Pentru sanatate garoafe
Si suntem chit.
Ospatarului ii las restul pe masa,
Celui care imi face-un cadou
Ii fac unul mai mare,
Celui care-mi surade-i surad,
Celui care-mi ranjeste-i surad.
Inchei toate socotelile in felul acesta,
Ramanand deasupra,
Taind toate puntile
Si, cateodata,
Ma cuprinde-o dorinta nebuna
Sa fiu recunoscatoare cuiva,
Sa ma tarasc in genunchi multumind,
Sa strig: „Nu sunt vrednica
Nici dandu-mi viata sa inapoiez bunatate atata! “
Dar in urma mea totu-i platit.

ANA BLANDIANA
......................................................................

The change on the table

I have an almost monstrous habit
I don't like being indebted to anyone.
To the doctor that heals me I send flowers,
for health carnations
and we're even.
To the waiter I leave the change on the table,
To the one who gives me a present
I give a bigger one,
I smile at the one who smiles at me,
I smile at the one who smirks at me.
I close all accounts this way,
Remaining above all things,
Burning all bridges
And, sometimes,
I feel a mad urge
to be grateful to someone
to crawl on my knees thanking,
To scream: ' I am not worthy
to return so much kindness
not even giving my life! '
But, behind me, everything is paid.



English version Maria Magdalena Biela