Woman

by Ingibjörg Háraldsdóttir

Kona
Woman

When everything has been said and done
when all of the problems in the world
are laid out, weighed, and settled upon
when eyes have met
and hands have been shaken
in the gravity of that moment
— a woman always comes along
to clear the table,
mop the floor, and open the windows
to chase the cigar smoke out. 

That never fails. 

Translated by Meg Matich.