Mark Stout


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

Deep Sea Memories
(Excerpts)

I conch or skiff
spat of oysters adrift
off the shore of my birthplace
I am washed onto the rock
arresting the growth of inner ivory
mother of all Japanese pearls.

I        
endlessness of ocean
memory universal
am the tiny pearl
cradling humanity in the
dancing colours of my belly.

Like an upturned boat
Taking water through some open
wound I lie still
winkle and legions of parasites
held frozen for all time
in my sea-woman's shell
with oars hugged close
to my forsaken belly.

A statue risen from the sea floor
I weep pure calcic tears
and entreat memory to come forward into now.

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