Blackbirdan online journal of literature and the artsSpring 2011 v10n1
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TOMAS TRANSTRÖMER
translation by Patty Crane

Insecurity’s Kingdom

The Under Secretary leans forward and draws an X
and her earrings dangle like Damocles’sword.

As a spotted butterfly turns invisible in a field
so the demon blends in with the spread-open newspaper.

A helmet worn by no one has taken power.
The mother turtle flees, flying under water.


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