Skip to main content
Outdated Browser

For the best experience using our website, we recommend upgrading your browser to a newer version or switching to a supported browser.

More Information

Poetry

on the bed

By Vónbjørt Vang
Translated from Faroese by Randi Ward
an empty suitcase 
sits wide-open 
wrinkled sheets 
a nightgown 
a passport 
an absence between pillow and head 
a glare of ice between mattress and thigh 
a stroke of shadow between decision and departure 
the car you plan to make your escape in isn’t registered 
and you’re still standing there waiting 
English Faroese (Original)
an empty suitcase 
sits wide-open 
wrinkled sheets 
a nightgown 
a passport 
an absence between pillow and head 
a glare of ice between mattress and thigh 
a stroke of shadow between decision and departure 
the car you plan to make your escape in isn’t registered 
and you’re still standing there waiting 

á songini

eitt tómt kuffert
ið stendur opið
rukkað løk
ein náttkjóli
eitt pass
millum pútuna og høvdið ein frávera
millum madrassuna og lærið eitt lag av ísi
millum avgerðina og fráferðina ein skuggalinja
bilurin tú ætlar at rýma í er ikki skrásettur
og enn stendur tú har og bíðar

Read Next

The covers of the 12 books longlisted for the 2024 National Book Award for Translated Literature...