Nie oczekuję dziś nikogo [English translation]

In the buzz of the café,

in a dim light of the lamps

I sit again, listening intently

to a melody we once loved.

Every day at dusk

you used to come here to meet me,

and it was so until yesterday

but today I know that

I’m not expecting anybody1,

you will no longer say „hello”2

and yet I cannot refrain

from glancing at the door.

Anyone who wants to take your place

is an annoying intruder;

I tell everyone the seat is taken

as if you were to come in a moment.

I know very well that my hands

will no longer feel the tremor of your hands,

but every dusk will find me here,

where the memories are more distinct.

I’m not expecting anybody,

the coming days with bring no change,

but I cannot stop coming here,

where everything brings you closer to me.

I’m not expecting anybody,

the coming days with bring no change,

but I cannot stop coming here,

where everything brings you closer to me.

1. I skipped "today" just to make the text flow better; I think that the use of Present Continuous + the context make things clear anyway.2. Literally: "good afternoon" (at dusk); in Polish "dzień dobry" is used for both "good morning" and "good afternoon"; I preferred to replace it by a more informal (and shorter) "hello".

• Artist:Rena Rolska