One thing does not exist: Oblivion
God saves the metal and he saves the dross,
And his prophetic memory guards from loss
The moons to come, and those of evenings gone.
Everything is: the shadows in the glass
Which, in between the day's two twilights, you
Have scattered by the thousands, or shall strew
Henceforward in the mirrors that you pass.
And everything is part of that diverse
Crystalline memory, the universe;
Whoever through its endless mazes wanders
Hears door on door click shut behind his stride,
And only from the sunset's farther side
Shall view at last the Archetypes and the Splendors.
Jorge Luis Borges. Translated by Richard Wilbur
I guess there comes a time when we all think of Moons to come and those of evenings gone. I like that phrase. I like the poem.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Manzanita. We all do.
DeleteWhat a lovely poem. I like Borges and have read his novels, but this is the first poem by him I've read, and I love it! Thanks for the share!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you mean you read his collections of stories and essays. He never wrote a novel, but lots of essays, short stories and poems. I've always loved his poems. And I read The Book of Sand.
DeleteWonderfully written. He's one of the modern day masters.
ReplyDeleteHe is a great poet. I always fall in love with his poems.
DeleteA beautiful poem and photo, Julia. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sharon. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteGreetings human, Julia,
ReplyDeleteAh tis' such wondrous pawetry, um, poetry and accompanying photo that I doth see on this screen. Tis' food for thought for my hungry eyes.
Pawsitive wishes,
Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar!
I love Borges. I read some of his stories when I was studying philosophy and philosophers, particularly George Berkeley and Baruch Spinoza. I admit I have not read much of his poetry, but I like the one you have posted. His work is not to be ignored by anyone seeking a Latin American approach to philosophy, politics, and ethics. Brilliant character who should have been a Nobel Prize winner!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy his poetry and I read a book of essays called The Book of Sand. I'd like to read more of his essays and short stories as well. Thanks, JJ.
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