Translated from the Chilean Spanish by Neil Davidson

From Los obstáculos (1961)

Ruffled nightingale, rising
from earth to sing in the tree
and use it as your lyre, I dare you
to sing upon a stone, like me.

***

I have no background in farming
or garlands of daisies.
I was born on a white sheet
and weaned in a darkened room.

***

What is others’ becomes ours
like well-worn shoes. Loneliness
buffs them to mauve, to lilac. Bare
soles of the feet, the walker’s
bare thighs, fingers, nails, polished
teeth, damp lustrous hair!...
Yet – fatty food, rank
...