De Gids. Jaargang 123

[p. 71]

Elisabeth Eybers

Geen vakman kon ooit kundiger dan hy
die beitellem aanhits met hamerklots
om bloot te lê, te suiwer, te bevry
wat God gekerker hou in brute rots
tot dit eendag gedaag word en ontglip.
Hy tas begeerlik na die sku kontoer
binne die onverbiddelike klip
en rus nie vóór 'n marmer ooglid roer.

No craftsman has been skilfuller than he
with chisel fretting under steadfast knock
to disencumber, bring to light and free
what God holds dungeoned in relentless rock
pending the day it's summoned to escape.
He taps with subtle promise of release
and lustfully pursues the timid shape,
finding, till a stone eyelid stirs, no peace.