I Take Back Everything I’ve Said

Before I go I’m supposed to get a last wish: Generous reader burn this book It’s not at all what I wanted to say Though it was written in blood It’s not what I wanted to say. No lot could be sadder than mine I was defeated by my own shadow: My words took vengeance on me. Forgive me, reader, good reader If I cannot leave you With a warm embrace, I leave you With a forced and sad smile. Maybe that’s all I am But listen to my last word: I take back everything I’ve said. With the greatest bitterness in the world I take back everything I’ve said. — translated by Miller Williams