DETERIORATION

Deep in the inner space denuded of trees,

yet suggesting, nevertheless, the trees that had now become

stools, tables, chests. On the trunk

sits the silent woman covering her feet

and looking at the caterpillar crawling on the floor-

a green, greasy caterpillar that has veered from its path,

the one that had devoured the forest and has come now to eat the

house,

the picture frames on the wall and the rope hanging from the

ceiling.