ANNE HÄNNINEN

(Finnland), born in 1958. She grew up in the countryside of Central Finnland and nature always stayed very significant for her poetry. She has published eleven books of poetry, the latest in 2005: Oljilla täytetty nainen (The Straw Filled Woman). She recieved several scholarships and awards. She works as a freelance writer and teacher.



***

The bridge was broken, split to pieces,
It would cross the river
From friend to friend.
Now, a symbol of hostility, a borderline –
Though blossoms are beginning to spread their
Perfume across the river
And branches stretch themselves,
and the same water
Splashes against  both riverbanks,
Kisses the rocks of each by turns.
And all existing was shared, common,
One will never forget it;
In the cells of the earth remembrance and longing,
The only drink of the roots.

Translated by Leena Routti