Karin Montin


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

Ocean Memories
(Excerpts)

I, conch or craft,
oyster spat drifting
away from my birthplace,
wash up on the rocks,
freezing the ivory inside--
nacre of every Japan.

I,
endless ocean,
universal memory,
am the little pearl
in the iridescent belly--
cradle of humanity.

…

Like a keeled-over boat
taking on water through some
open wound I lie,
periwinkle and parasites
frozen for eternity
in my navigator's shell,
oars stowed
in my empty belly.

A seabed sculpture,
I distill calcium tears
and beg memory to move on.

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