Once when I was in a very dark time, having lost my job and losing my eyesight, I received a cruel letter from Mia Berner, a Swedish writer, who’d been married to the late Finnish poet Pentti Saarikoski. I’d sent her some of my Saarikoski translations. Her letter was exceedingly vicious. She said I was a fraud. (The translations were good.) She went on and on about what an execrable writer I was.
My mistake? I’d signed my original letter to her as “Professor” Kuusisto.
I was depressed for days. I couldn’t get out of bed.
**
There’s no “nowadays” nowadays. & I’m unbowed by the past. I can imitate stones if need be.
Always there’s a new part of time.
**
If the world comes true…
If you ramble home…
If whatever we passed…
If the self will never be right…
If you study the floor…
**
Stranger, my actions, only a long life can explain.
If you are oppressed, wake up early.
Planet of the Blind 