Three States of the Same Nape Translation of Etiemble S Trois Etats D'Une Seule Nuque By T Wignesan
Three states of the same nape, Translation of Etiemble’s Trois états d’une seule nuque by T. Wignesan
(End-rhyme scheme: ababacac//abab//ababaccddddddd// )
Nape no 1
Since so many lovers have thought it beautiful,
and have extolled it earlier on than I have
relapsed and rebellious, I want that
this nape be made to fall for me
under the axe of an hangman,
and rot in my tomb.
Being the orphan of you and of it,
I’ll rot there, a young old handsome.
Nape no 2
When my sword in its proper fitness descends into my sheath,
if my spirit dips towards the knot of your nape
concelebrated in times gone by, my executioner’s sword
at one go cuts your neck and the knot of the eunuch.
Nape no 3
Even if so many lovers have found it beautiful,
and had it extolled earlier on,
I would that he who would in me rebel
against these executioners of my belief
that this nape were more beautiful
yet and that, soon as my ashes
scattered be, know how to descend
and to rise up to your heart
he who I await without rancour:
he who I stretch over your heart,
he who I spread over your heart,
he who falls in love with your heart,
he who traps me in your heart,
he who returns you to your heart.
Broussais, 1977
© T. Wignesan – Paris, 2014
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