Rita Tunisini
CLESSIDRA by Rita Tunisini
Water Thief
Published in 1953 by Schwarz Editore
In Italian, "Clessidra" typically means hourglass. However, the word has its roots in ancient Greek, from κλεψύδρα (klepsudra), meaning water-clock. The Greeks used water-clocks to measure time as water flowed—or was "stolen"—from one container to the next. In Greek, "kleps" is akin to our word "klepto" (to steal), and "udra" is related to "hydro" (water).
As you read these poems in Clessidra, consider the nuances: Is it an hourglass? A water-clock? Or a water thief? Each has to do with time and time slipping away in the act of measurement.
FRONTESPIZIO
Ogni limite umano si dilegua
alla luce che vince la tortura
di questa accesa fiaccola mortale.
FRONTISPIECE
Every human limit fades
in the light that conquers the torture
that is our burning mortal flame.
CELEBRAZIONE
Mendica sono, con la mano aperta
alla Tua luce.
Sono la carne inquieta
di tutti
che brucia la sua sorte desolata
per liberare l'anima.
CELEBRATION
I am a beggar, with my hand open
to Your light.
I am the unquenched flesh
of anyone
that sears its bleak fate
to free the soul.
CLESSIDRA
La sera sogna
innocenti ricordi del mattino
estua vermiglia s'abbandona e tace.
E l'uomo è solo col suo oscuro cuore.
S'affannna il vento
porta segreti che nessuno ascolta.
E l'uomo è solo con la sua stanchezza.
Nude testine di oscillanti fiori
immemori di baci
pregano sospirando
che in dolcezza si muti il suo dolore.
E l'uomo è solo col suo duro pane.
Water Thief
The evening dreams
innocent memories of the morning,
burning red, abandoning itself, silent.
And we are alone with our dark hearts.

The wind labors
holding secrets no one hears.
And we are alone with our fatigue.

The bare heads of sun-seeking flowers
unconscious of kisses
pray in a sigh
that our pain change to sweetness.
And we are alone with our hard life.