SALA DEGLI OSPITI

In the kitchen
preferably
and at the end of the month
I advise you
to listen
to this word
mull it over
in your mouth
discover
its taste
roll it around
between your teeth
when they utter
this word life
 

And then get up
and look out I say
at this world
full of shop windows and signs
made in the image
of abstract loneliness
where everything
has a price
and among them
you
and repeat
it’s my advice
say it at least ten times
this word
because only then
when your lips begin to bleed
and your heart
then and only then I tell you
you will have understood
when they utter
this word life
 

And especially you women
I advise you
let this word explode
in your womb
this word
stretched out lying
on tables
or while the parsley
boils
snarling in corners
where not a sin
is committed
but rather
a sorrowful sacrifice
so only then
will they have drunk
till the dregs
when they utter
this word life
 

And finally my advice
to all and
to each of us
pierced
in our own special way
is to enter in church
and as you climb the steps
try to hear that word
descending like salt on your wounds
and try not to run away
I advise you
not to scream
rather I tell you
let them
between incense and prayers
mutter that word
let it become
their shame
let it become
their shame
let it become their
shame
while uttering the word
life