Pastorale

Under oak and terebinth

with the ox and bullock lowing,

with grain and grapevine growing,

I am well-pleased with

all the chthonic powers, in

August, when we

bear the burden;

November, when

we lay it down;

December, when we

brood and button;

March, when we

stir and think;

and May, when we

prepare the August burden.

By the wadi

on the dust

in the shade

of gliding wings

where the ragged

mouthpiece sleeps.