The Surpassing Of Danger : Yannis Ritsos

The Surpassing Of Danger

Every so often a star or a voice
falls so deep, that he supports himself
on the railing of the balcony or holding a hand
(if there is a hand) lest he collapse inside himself.

His most faithful hand is his other hand. But in this way
his hands close in a circle --they enclose him.
He cannot endure it. And he stretches forth his hands

as if he is about to embrace someone or to balance himself
and so, like a rope-dancer, looking directly in front of him,
he supports himself conveniently over his own depth
~ Yannis Ritsos

source : poetryfoundation.org