Chitra Ganesh, How to Assemble a Flying Car (detail), 2018, linocut on tan BFK Rives. Courtesy of the artist & Durham Press.
Ode
Translated from the German by Elizabeth Oehlkers Wright
High and mighty Initiator
old warmonger
cornucopia of goodness and good luck
head monster
penis of heaven cosmic uterus
the lowest common denominator
eye that sees all and perceives nothing
You pull away
excel in absence
Music Minus One
key without keynote
harmony without trio
salt without broth
mouth without tongue
but have no fear
we’ll be loyal
look up to you
our creation
as if you were above
revile you alone
our lethal ozone hole
our personal tailor-made chaos
fluttering of a butterfly in the jungle
Alfred Brendel (b. 1931) is a world-renowned classical pianist and also writes poetry and short prose. His books include Störendes Lachen während des Jaworts (Disturbing Laughter during Consent, Hanser, 1997) and Kleine Teufel (Little Devil, Hanser, 1999). He lives in Vienna and London. (2000)
Elizabeth Oehlkers Wright is a translator of contemporary German poetry and writing. Her translations have appeared in journals including AGNI, Slope, and Seneca Review. (2010)
Alfred Brendel is a world-renowned classical pianist and also writes poetry and short prose. His books include Störendes Lachen während des Jaworts (Disturbing Laughter during Consent, Hanser, 1997) and *Kleine Teufel (*Little Devil, Hanser, 1999). He lives in Vienna and London. (updated 2000)
Elizabeth Oehlkers Wright is a translator of contemporary German poetry and writing. Her translations have appeared in journals including AGNI, Slope, and Seneca Review. (updated 7/2010)