Speech Alone -- a Poem by Jean Follain

Speech Alone
by Jean Follain
Translated by W. S. Merwin


It happens that one pronounces

a few words just for oneself

alone on this strange earth

then the small white flower

the pebble like all those that went before

the sprig of stubble

find themselves re-united

at the foot of the gate

which one opens slowly

to enter the house of clay

while chairs, table, cupboard,

blaze in a sun of glory.