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Anne H�bert: The Piano (From French)

The Piano
By Anne H�bert
Translated by A.Z. Foreman

All it took was one light note
One fingertap
By one calm slave

A single note a supple instant
For the muffled clamor of offense
Tucked at the back of black veins
To rise and burst into the stirless air

The master knowing not what to do
Before such tumult
Commands that the piano be closed
Forever

The Original:

Le Piano

Il a suffi d'une note l�g�re
D'un seul doigt frapp�e
Par un esclave tranquille

Une seule note un instant tenue
Pour que la clameur sourde des outrages
Enfouis au creux des veines noires
Monte et se d�charge dans l'air immobile

Le maitre ne sachant que faire
Devant ce tumulte
Ordonne qu'on ferme le piano
A jamais
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