The End And The Beginning Poem by Wislawa Szymborska
The End And The Beginning
After every war
someone has to clean up.
Things won’t
straighten themselves up, after all.
Someone has to push the rubble
to the side of the road,
so the corpse-filled wagons
can pass.
Someone has to get mired
in scum and ashes,
sofa springs,
splintered glass,
and bloody rags.
Someone has to drag in a girder
to prop up a wall.
Someone has to glaze a window,
rehang a door.
Photogenic it’s not,
and takes years.
All the cameras have left
for another war.
We’ll need the bridges back,
and new railway stations.
Sleeves will go ragged
from rolling them up.
Someone, broom in hand,
still recalls the way it was.
Someone else listens
and nods with unsevered head.
But already there are those nearby
starting to mill about
who will find it dull.
From out of the bushes
sometimes someone still unearths
rusted-out arguments
and carries them to the garbage pile.
Those who knew
what was going on here
must make way for
those who know little.
And less than little.
And finally as little as nothing.
In the grass that has overgrown
causes and effects,
someone must be stretched out
blade of grass in his mouth
gazing at the clouds.
...In the grass that has overgrown causes and effects, someone must be stretched out blade of grass in his mouth gazing at the clouds... Wonderful poem!
Unfortunately those who have to 'clean up' and bear the burden of a war have very little to do with it... A really deep and touching poem...
Such a marvelous poem by Wislawa Szymborska...........................
I cite the great poetess here: After every war someone has to clean up. Things won’t straighten themselves up, after all.........................INDEED, she was right. A most deserving MODERN Poem Of The Day. Poem Hunter constantly choses the best poems to be the Modern Poem of The Day. Hurray! CONGRATULATIONS to the family. God´s Blessings! Truly honest and true words here.. Excellent poem!
A great poem from the best minds, Theres always a new beginning after a loss, Time to rebuilt and clean the ruins, Great poem from the author *****
A poem that really tells it like it is, In the most beautiful way. RIP Ms Szymborska and all those who have fought and are still fighting.
Visited this poem again. Really it is a beautiful poem. Thanks and congratulations for being selected this poem as the modern poem for second time of the poem of the day.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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4/24/2024 8:58:19 PM # 1.0.0.1119
Wow. A very well written poem and good imagery. I completely agree with the message you are trying to portray. Could you read my poems please?