I seek no peace, and cannot stand war I dream my way around the world, quiet and alone Brimming with muted songs. I long For the fog and silence of a great port.

A great port crowded with light sails Ready to leave towards the blue horizon Wavering softly as the whispering wind rises And sings its brief chords on its way.

And those chords are carried by the wind Far away over the unknown sea – I'm dreaming. Life is sad and I'm alone

When, when will my soul awaken in the sun Shivering with freedom in a morning bright with fire Awaken in the sun, the eternal sun.

This poem is from Dino Campana's (1885-1932) Selected Works, translated by Cristina Viti and published by Survivors' Poetry in 2006. Dino Campana was admitted to San Salvi, an asylum in Florence at the age of 32 years and transferred to Castel Pulci, a place designated for those regarded as incurable in April 1918 where he remained until his death.

Chosen by Femi Oyebode.