Poetry | mysite

Translation © Luigi Pagano 2020

Dante Alighieri –

So gentle and honest she seems

So gentle and honest my lady seems

when greeting others with great flair

that quivering tongues become still

and prying eyes do not dare to stare.

She goes and listens to the adulation

but retains a deep sense of humility

and it looks like she has come down

to earth to show the power of divinity.

Her beauty catches the people’s eye

engendering a sweetness in the heart

unfathomable to those who don’t taste it.

And it looks as if her lips will impart

the loving words of a charming spirit

which is saying to the soul: Sigh .

On a Cold Night

I sit by the fire
watching the flames
twist and leap
as if they are walking
on hot coals.
I embrace the warmth
emanating from it,
which makes me forget
that the weather,
outside,
is cold and wet.

Every dog has his day

Every dog has his day,
that's what they say,
but it's not only canines;
maybe even porcupines
have the chance to shine.
That's absolutely fine
as they have the right
to be in the limelight.
On November the 3rd,
I am told by a little bird
that has come my way.
it's World Jellyfish Day.
This is the very date
they start to migrate
from down there
in the southern hemisphere
to northern shores
like the Azores.
In the sea, I try to avoid
this marine medusoid;
I dread its painful sting
when I go snorkeling.
I don't wish to celebrate
a mollusc that I hate.

Heading 6