With a Bird in Your Palm

From Elytis, The Eternal Wager

1
That one day you will bite into the new lemon
and release
huge amounts of sun from it.

2
That all currents of the seas
suddenly illumined will reveal you
raising the tempest to the ethical level.

3
That even in death you will again
be like water in the sun
turning chill by instinct.

4
That you will be catechized by the birds
and a foliage of words will clothe you
in Greek so you will seem invincible.

5
That a water drop will culminate
imperceptibly on your eyelashes
beyond the pain and way after the tear.

6
That all the worlds' unsympathy will turn to stone
on which you can sit like a prince
with a docile bird in your palm.

7
That alone at last you will harmonize
slowly with the grandeur
of sunrise and sunset.