The Yale Anthology of Twentieth-Century French Poetry

AMINA SAÏD

‘‘Think of those wise men’s eyes. Of their sinewy fingers which dozed on
things as if they were made of wind. As if things were merely hollow. And look
how they stare beyond your face across the centuries. They see only the living
part of your being, a thousand years ago—but right now.’’
—michael tweed

Amina Saïd 1953–

tunis, tunisia

S

aïd is a poet who was educated in languages and literature at the Sor-

bonne. She often gives public readings of her poems accompanied by the

musician Daniel Yvon. She is involved in literary gatherings in France

and abroad, and her work has been anthologized many times. She currently lives

in France. Saïd has won many prizes, including the Prix Jean-Malrieu (1989) and

the Prix Charles-Vildrac de la Société des gens des lettres (1994). She additionally

serves as a member of the jury for the Max-Pol Fouchet poetry prize. Principal

works: Feu d’oiseaux, 1989; Marcher sur la terre, 1994; Gisements de lumière, 1998;

De décembre à la mer, 2001.

Paths of Light

I’ve slept three centuries on a bed of rocks
I’ve seen things men have forgotten
I’ve measured the distance between sky and earth
I’ve read the lines on a hand I’ve delivered oracles
a voice not mine has spoken by my mouth
I’ve disappeared in a town itself disappeared
armed horsemen have invaded our plains
we remained awaiting more barbarians
the sea has withdrawn from the doors of my town
I’ve reconciled myself to the streams of the earth