Before the gate has been closed, 
before the last question is posed, 
before I am transposed. 
Before the weeds fill the gardens, 
before there are no pardons, 
before the concrete hardens. 
Before all the flute-holes are covered, 
before things are locked in then cupboard, 
before the rules are discovered. 
Before the conclusion is planned, 
before God closes his hand, 
before we have nowhere to stand. 


Translated by Chana Bloch And Stephen Mitchell