Lena Kallergi
Light-hearted in Larissa
I
In Larissa,
a city with a river
as it should be,
store owners are friendly
fruit vendors are friendly -
even cockroaches are friendly
though, in the end,
they meet the same death.
II
Lost on the road to Larissa
you found me.
You thought I was a great traveller.
But I was reciting
lines by Leonard Cohen,
the ones Thanos loved.
III
Every time I go to Larissa
I like its name a little more.
It reminds me of the woman
who took care of my grandmother
before she died.
It reminds me
of strong backbones
and muscular arms,
of a way to escape nearby,
in immeasurable plains.
IV
In Larissa’s museum
- the diachronic one -
I was so happy
I almost forgot
my own history.
V
What flavours,
what oracles!
I never knew a river full of horses,
trees peopled by well-fed cicadas,
surprises of the tongue.
Taking a turn among the shops,
the ancient theatre.
VI
Familiar books
presented themselves
in Thanos’ place.
I read them all.
No one can tell me
Larissa
is a city with no peaks.
VII
In Thessaly
I didn’t climb the mountains
or visit the sea.
A friendship of the plains
had a stronger hold on me.
VIII
Warm lights, full of noise.
Friends, old and new,
disagreeing.
Every language inside me
is awake.
The best bars are in Larissa.
I’m OK for the winter.