mark e. malarkey


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

Sea-Washed Memories
(Excerpts)

I conch or skiff
spat of oysters awash
a wish away from where life began
I wash ashore the rock
stills the growth of inner ivory
mother of pearl of every Japan.

I
ocean forever
and every memory
am the tiny pearl
infant humanity cradled
in colours dancing round.

A boat keeled over
taking water through some open
wound I lie still
winkle and teeming parasites
forever stilled
in my shore-bound 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 wish memory ashore.