human science

by Sjón

mannfræði
human science

rodin’s sculpture of adam
shows the newlycreated man
taking his first steps

his shoulders stooped
right foot at rest on a stone
arms hang at his sides

he’s already fatigued
from standing upright

left index finger seeks touch
but michelangelo’s god has gone
into the world of clouds

his eyes turned, longing, toward the dust
where he lay not long ago 

his life force neither stronger nor weaker

he falls and walks in time 

Translated by Meg Matich.