Gianluca D’Elia (whose recent poem I saw a light appeared here in June), in the summer before his freshman year of high school, gives us a delightful poem about season and transition. What do you think he’ll be writing as he heads off to college in four years?
Stardust
By Gianluca D’Elia
In the backyard
You still play hide and seek
Even after mother told you
I’m really gone now
If you miss me
Take a peek at my diary
Or look for me
In the twinkling night sky
I won’t be hiding behind the big oak tree
Like I did when I was with you
In the yard, as young children
We were playing innocently
Child, make the night bright
I’m still there but only in your mind
I am much happier where I am now
Far away from this ugly world
Of secrets, lies, and betrayal
My body rots in a grave but my soul lives on
Don’t you know, little one,
That nothing lasts forever?
I’m sure you are quite upset
But that too will pass
You can recall the past we created
One day you also will pass though
Don’t leave the toys abandoned,
The sandbox empty
Continue to play
Like you did before I was gone
Because I may be back one day
I adore your work. This says it all.
Wow, very heavy stuff.
Beautifully written. This subject matter is difficult to translate poetically but you’ve done a masterful job. 🙂