Monday Poem

Clockwork doll by Dalia Ravikovitch, translated by Robert Friend

I was a clockwork doll that night,

and I turned left and I turned right,

and when I fell and broke to bits,

they recomposed my wax and wits.

I was a proper doll once more,

my manner carefully demure;

and yet a doll of another kind -

an injured twig that tendrils bind.

And when they asked me to a ball -

although my steps were rhythmical,

they partnered me with dog and cat.

My hair was gold, my eyes were blue.

I wore a dress where flowers grew.

Cherries blazed on my straw hat.

Our poems this week come from books published by the Menard Press (8 The Oaks, Woodside Avenue, London N.12 8AR; tel: 0181-446 5571) to celebrate its 30th birthday. 'Found in Translation', a collection of Robert Friend's versions of modern Hebrew poetry, is edited by Gabriel Levin (pounds 9.99)