Kate Hendry


Translation of Annie Molin Vasseur's poem "Mémoires océanes"

Memories of the ocean
(Extracts)

Me conch or small boat
oyster deriving from spat
in the open seas of my origin
I run aground on the rock
solidifying the internal ivory
mother-of-pearl of all Japan.

I
the ocean's infinity
universal memory
am the small pearl
in the opalescent belly
cradle of humanity.


…


As an up-turned boat
which takes on water by some open wound
I am lying
periwinkle and numerous parasites
frozen for eternity
in my sailing shell
with fastened oars
in the deserted belly.

Sculpture of the ocean depths
I exude chalky tears
and pray the memory goes on.

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