Separation
--Jean Follain (trans. Heather McHugh) 

In a shed in the old garden
the separation takes place
amid the rustling of leaves
you have to go far away
to another country
to recover this moment of farewell
leaning on the quiet tree
in the hour of lamplight
just as a child is sent
with no one to confide in
looking for milk in the night.

[via a longhouse birdhouse]