Anonymous Phrases

They embraced and danced a languid waltz.

Later they paused, squeezed each other tightly

and kissed for the last time.

Strange thoughts oppressed them.

They kissed again, mechanically, so as to extend

who knows what.

But their lips weren’t aware of flesh

and their arms twined in absent-minded embraces.

*        *       *

Now I take the form of a mouse

and appear before them. I dip my tail

in ink and write on the window pane:

“Destiny calls to life.”

It seems they became aware of me immediately. 

They soon recovered and became distracted again.

*     *     *

I open the door and see the mouse

lounging about. The revolver has been forgotten

on the desk. I look at him and say:

-Did you commit this rash act? 

He runs and puts his head

in the barrel so as to block the bullet.

But I waste no time and move away.

Very carefully I collect a little of the blood 

that was there and cover

the anonymous phrases with it.

Athens, 1944