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

Two Cities

Each on its own side of a strait, two cities
one plunged into darkness, under enemy control.
In the other the lamps are burning.
The luminous shore hypnotizes the blacked-out one.

I swim out in a trance
on the glittering dark waters.
A muffled tuba-blast breaks in.
It’s a friend’s voice, take your grave and go.


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