EYEWITNESS

I saw them-he said-the two burglars behind the grilles

forcing the door open opposite-. I didn't shout at all;

there was moon, and I could see their passkeys clearly,

even the plaster ornaments on the wall. I waited

for the others next door to shout first. No one cried out.

I left the window, sat on a chair, leaned

my forehead on the marble table, and believe

I fell asleep close by the poor ink-stained hand

of the child who did not pass in school. In my sleep

I caught a headache from the moon. At daybreak

they knocked on my door. It was the two burglars

holding two beautiful bouquets of flowers.I went into the kitchen

to put the flowers in some water. When I returned

with a vase in each hand, they had gone.

Athens. October 13, 1972   (K.F. &K.M)