On 21 March, the Polish poet Adam Zagajewski passed away, having only a few days before taken part in the Scottish International Poetry Festival online.
Below you can find his poem ‘Transformation’ to inspire you. The poem simply begins ‘I haven’t written a single poem / in months’…..which explores what he has been doing instead. Perhaps you can use that same line as an opening and write your own poem in response. What have you been doing the last few weeks when you haven’t been writing a poem, or essay, or thesis?
In the meantime, have a look at this beautiful painting made by Sarah Anschütz on her iPad. You can still send in your your art, photos, poems and short fiction (both staff and students!) to Sally (sally.wyatt@maastrichtuniversity.nl).
Transformation
I haven’t written a single poem
in months.
I’ve lived humbly, reading the paper,
pondering the riddle of power
and the reasons for obedience.
I’ve watched sunsets
(crimson, anxious),
I’ve heard the birds grow quiet
and night’s muteness.
I’ve seen sunflowers dangling
their heads at dusk, as if a careless hangman
had gone strolling through the gardens.
September’s sweet dust gathered
on the windowsill and lizards
hid in the bends of walls.
I’ve taken long walks,
craving one thing only:
lightning,
transformation,
you.
Adam Zagajewski
