Dark Night

The flowers withered,

their petals fell

stained with ochre.

The blizzard did it for them

with an immense whirlwind

that unleashed its fury, lashing

villages and regions . . .

Between thick thunderclouds,

weak dewdrops

and that loose earth

sprouting soft colors

in the shape of a black flower

that placidly filled with light

the darkest nights . . .

Ernesto Lobo, Perú

Translation Germain Droogenbroodt – Stanley Barkan