by Jean Frémon

_____________
from Theater

Translated by Norma Cole

The sense of their words still escaped them.

What they thought, what they were, they had to erase it. They had to try to
let something else happen in their space and turn. A thing not of their
making but for which they would take responsibility, all the
responsibility. Whose colors they would wear, a sort of story whose heroes
they would be, fragile and momentary, but momentarily invincible.

_____

from Ceremony
Translated by Serge Gavronsky

What they thought, what they were, they had to erase it. They had to try to
let something else happen in their space and turn. A thing not of their
making but for which they would take responsibility, all the
responsibility. Whose colors they would wear, a sort of story whose heroes
they would be, fragile and momentary, but momentarily invincible.

The works are
those that seasons dictate
unique principle
the punishments totaling five were executed
to the sound of eight types of instruments.

The punishments are: the black mark, amputation
of the nose, confinement, burial,
the fifth was not mentioned.

Furthermore, the edict said:

That crimes committed audaciously were to be punished twice.
That the severity of justice shall be tempered by compassion.

_________

from Equation
Translated by Lydia Davis

_Amida raîgo_

Parade coming down the hill

the mind passing

with fifes and banners

his footprints

in the dust

___________

from Herisau
Translated by Cole Swensen

A Day in the Life of R.W.

The fever to serve. To be another. To show disrespect for the next person
you meet. To come to no conclusions. To dig up the garden. To sort peas,
spin thread, glue up paper bags. To make one or two resolutions. To delay
departure until the next morning. The same love for the provisional as for
the eternal. To follow the course of clouds across the window, a blade of
grass in the mouth. That stubborn cowlick crowning your head. To rush a
decision. The world's incomprehension, the basis of your freedom. To make
no rules. The end, with no fuss, long prepared. I've left you my hat in my
will.

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