Resh

by Vladimir Druk
translated by Lev Fridman

     from the book “Alef–Bet. Forms, Numbers and Nominations”

bow your head
and speak
with your head bowed

as if you are no longer here
as if you aren’t here yet
as if there is nothing there yet

as if everything is just about to appear
speak
as if you’re at the very start or near the end

speak up when everyone is silent or screaming in pain
cry out as if you are alone
in the middle
of nothing

speak
as if He is speaking through you
moving your tongue blasting the air through your throat
choking up
keep speaking

speak up poor soul
understanding just how weak your words are
how wasted and numb
you are
all for a loaf of bread

with your head still bowed talk proudly
like a rich man content
out loud or in whispers
to yourself and other selves