A Portable Childhood

(Enfance portative)

COLETTE NYS-MAZURE


The Royal Way

Isn'it true
that your home
is just one step away
from my home ?

At least everyone thinks so.
It seems that way.

But from your home to mine
our comings and goings increase the distance :
you accompany me
then I walk you back ;
you bring me home ,
I take you back again;
I escort you one last time.
Just once more !
This time will be the last . . .
You really think so ?

It will last until tomorrow
the time for pals on the go.
It will lead into forever
The path that brings us together.

(Translated by Renée Linkhorn)

Missing Person Notice

Right under the teacher's nose,
we used to scheme in coded tongues.
We would survey the world
through the atlas pages ;
we would redesign it.

A slash in our wrists
sealed our alliance : til' death do us part !
Sometimes a gust of wind
would blow our way some dark secret, untamed violence.
An ominous wing would brush past us :
Swear you will never forget me !
Cross my heart and hope to die . . .

On which road are you walking now ?
It is cold on this side of the world.
Tell me : what became of you ?
Where can one find Eden's gate ?

It feels so lonely in the land of men.

(Translated by Renée Linkhorn)

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