Preç Zogaj

I took sorrow by the hand and
Went to drown it in the river
But the current was too shallow.
Slinging it over my shoulder,
Tried to cast it off a cliff top,
But the meadow was before me.
Then I bound it in a cradle,
For two days and nights I lulled it,
Yet it would not rest or slumber.
Through the streets I stroll and wander
Now my face is streaked with sorrow,
I to everyone say sorry.

Translated from the Albanian by Robert Elsie