Sampled Poetry by Primo Levi
Unfinished Business
Translated By: Jonathan Galassi Sir, please accept my resignation As of next month, And, if it seems right, plan on replacing me. I’m leaving much unfinished work, Whether out of laziness or actual problems. I was supposed to tell someone something, But I no longer know what and to whom: I’ve forgotten. I was also supposed to donate something — A wise word, a gift, a kiss; I put it off from one day to the next. I’m sorry. I’ll do it in the short time that remains. I’m afraid I’ve neglected important clients. I was meant to visit Distant cities, islands, desert lands; You’ll have to cut them from the program Or entrust them to my successor. I was supposed to plant trees and I didn’t; To build myself a house, Maybe not beautiful, but based on plans. Mainly, I had in mind A marvelous book, kind sir, Which would have revealed many secrets, Alleviated pains and fears, Eased doubts, given many The gift of tears and laughter. You’ll find its outline in my drawer, Down below, with the unfinished business; I didn’t have the time to write it out, which is a shame, It would have been a fundamental work. |
Shema
Translated by: Stuart Woolf You who live secure In your warm houses, Who return at evening to find Hot food and friendly faces: Consider whether this is a man, Who labors in the mud Who knows no peace Who fights for a crust of bread Who dies at a yes or a no. Consider whether this is a woman, Without hair or name With no more strength to remember Eyes empty and womb cold As a frog in winter. Consider that this has been: I commend these words to you. Engrave them on your hearts When you are in your house, when you walk on your way, When you go to bed, when you rise. Repeat them to your children. Or may your house crumble, Disease render you powerless, Your offspring avert their faces from you. |
As the title suggests, Collected Poems is an aggregate list of poetry by Primo Levi. A sample of which titled Unfinished Business can be found here (left).
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