The Art of Losing
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ScribdTranslationsThe Art of Losing
Uploaded by
ScribdTranslationsThe art of losing
Elizabeth Bishop
The art of losing isn't hard to master
I keep learning (things insist)
to the point of losing oneself, that the crying
for them it lasts little). And the fright
for losing something every day, roses
that fall apart, hours, keys, how much
It can occur to one, it's not that much.
So practice losing more, and enjoy.
the rhythm of loss, its charm:
he loses cities, names, and in Lepanto
loses a hand, a destiny, a girl:
none of this will be such a big deal.
I lost my mother's watch and the cloak.
with what I covered my shoulders, the tile
In what I drank tea, but I still sing.
I lost my land, my way, and I endure.
very well such a loss. It's a thing
getting used to it: no, it's not that bad.
Losing you, for example, your charm
and to lose your love, painful
it would be a test, but never that much
(even if it seems like a terrible condemnation).