Günter Eich

Günter Eich (1907-72) was a poet, translator from Chinese and writer of radio plays. Angina Days, a selection of his poems translated by Michael Hofmann, is due in May from Princeton.

Five Poems

Günter Eich, translated by Michael Hofmann, 25 March 2010

Examine Your Fingertips

Examine your fingertips for signs of discolouration!

One day it will be back, the supposedly eradicated contagion. The postman will drop it in the rattling letterbox along with the...

Five Poems

Günter Eich, translated by Michael Hofmann, 23 June 2005

Report from a Spa

I haven’t tried the water yet, that can wait. But the redecorated station implies future, which makes me mulish.

Corpuscle count and forest ozone, suspicion of the spa doctors. Nature is a form of negation. Better to stick to the ditties in the spa newsletter.

Brothers Grimm

Nettlebush. The burnt children Wait behind the cellar windows. Their parents have gone out,...

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