The Jump I. - by Peter Nijmeijer

(Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin)

Peter Nijmeijer - 1947-2016

It cannot be denied, this view

that like a ship comes straight at you: the quay,

the gray-blue mountains, the sparing evening sun

(later you can destroy the negatives).

And although you're only just here, you were

here before, two shaky feet

on a fabrication of iron and wood.

Is the water moving or you stationary?

For a moment you see nothing, one might say that
looking back is also closed off, do you

always dock at evenfall.

It doesn't matter if it is now or at another time.

And even if you set foot on the hesitant shore
exactly on time: Like what is your position here
and for how long? (But never mind how you harp on,
it cannot be denied, this view.)

Original title: (Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin) - From the collection: De sprong - 1983 - Meulenhoff - Amsterdam