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Trembling Bog

The water hemlock, poisonous like death,
lies waiting in the silent water:
first comes the blue scull-cap and somewhat later
the cyperus sedge takes root in its bosom.

Here the creation of the first days
seems to be taking place, just like that. Unwittingly
the earth is lifted above the water:
the feeding bottom which can bear the garden.

But look at the man who sets foot in this place:
he is deceived by the inevitable.
He seeks the paradise while he knows that
the man must be punished for this ambition yet.
It is the fruit which he once bit and tasted
that makes the island sink under his feet.

René van Loenen

 

'Trembling Bog' is an art project of five etchings made by Rob den Boer on a Dutch poem by René van Loenen. Translation: Maria van Dijk-Okla MA. Picture: ©Rob den Boer