The Poetry Corner

A Canker In The Heart

By Edward Powys Mathers (As Translator)

I made a bitter song When I was a boy, About a girl With hot earth-coloured hair, Who lived with me And left me. I made a sour song On her marriage-day, That ever his kisses Would be ghosts of mine, And ever the measure Of his halting love Flow to my music. It was a silly song, Dear wife with cool black hair, And yet when I recall (At night with you asleep) That once you gave yourself Before we met, I do not quite well know What song to make. From the Burmese (nineteenth century) ( by Asmapur).