The Stranger

by Carlos Maria Gutierrez (Uruguay)
translated by Margaret Randall

I know this street where I walk
but it doesn’t feel familiar

as usual it’s 3 p.m.
but time here begins at zero

this is my city my ancient beloved
but I am a stranger I am lost

this is the bar where I drank coffee with milk
this the bookstore that sells my books
that man who passes with downcast eyes
is called Andr s or I think that was his name

I lived here but I’m not sure

“You can lower your hands,” the grunt says
and puts away his pistol we’ve arrived

there are fifty of us at this station house
roundup tribe first cell
I discover who I am my purpose all of it.