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