I Have a Terrible Cold

I have a terrible cold,

And everyone knows how terrible

Alter the whole system of the universe,

Set us against life,

And make even metaphysics sneeze.

I have wasted the whole day blowing my nose.

My head is aching vaguely.

Sad condition for a minor poet!

Today I am really and truly a minor poet.

What I was in old days was a wish; it's gone.

Goodbye for ever, queen of fairies!

Your wings were made of sun, and I am walking here.

I shan't get well unless I go and lie down on my bed.

I never was well except lying down on the Universe.

Excusez un peu… What a terrible cold!… it'sphysical!

I need truth and aspirin.()written under the pen name of,

Alvaro de Campos