2023-07-10

Poem of the Week, week 28: Marie Takvam "I am Alone"

Enjoy a weekly poem by authors from Norway, throughout the year.

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I AM ALONE

I am alone with these hands
which have milked cows, baked bread,
smashed holes in ice for water,
leafed through books
worn rings,
been kissed by little children and men.

So infinitely do I love this life
that I cannot wither quietly
but cover my eyes
with my palms
and shout out my sorrow.

Marie Takvam

Translated by Jenifer Lloyd in Unni Langås, Towards a New Language, at nordicwomensliterature.net. 27. January 2012.

See the poem in Norwegian

Poem of the Week

Learn more about the series and see all poems here