"Tree of Hope"

“Tree of Hope” 

When my hope
like a tree was clipped, 

Knocked
down, pulled up and about to snap 
As a glimmer
of light dimmed   
And the eye
of day shuttered 

I spread and
wrapped myself in sackcloth

Unaware New
Year was here

Unaware of
Adäy my flower

I sat in the
belly of a dense night 

Intent to
unfocus my thoughts,  
To rebuke a
weepy heart

And pin my
hope on despair.

Poet: Debebe Seifu, 1971 | "የተስፋዬ ዛፉ"፣ ለራስ የተጻፈ ደብዳቤ፣ 1963 ዓ.ም፣ ገጽ 19 | 

Translator: Mitiku Adisu | ©2019

Note: Ethiopian NewYear is in September (≃11th) and Adäy flowers (Bidens macroptera), endemic to
Ethiopia, returned during this time. The poet possibly is mourning his beloved Adäy.