She raises her hand as something
is announced on the radio, motions
me to listen as she turns up the volume.
Being in her country, not at all fluent
in her tongue, no trace of comprehension
as I stare between her and the radio dial.
Turning the volume back down, she repeats
slowly, distinctly the same words heard,
yet still I fail to understand their meaning.
She tunes the dial to an English-speaking station.
I hear the report. Paris is under terrorist attack.
Our tears speak a language we both understand
Carl "Papa" Palmer
University Place WA USA
Donated to the USO
"Found in Translation" is a very moving poem by my friend Carl "Papa" Palmer about the recent tragic terrorist attack in Paris. It moves us deeply with its tenderness and directness.
ReplyDeleteAll of the poets on this site -- "Poets 4 Paris" -- are to be thanked, as well as the organizers of the site itself -- for serving the noblest of causes.
Raymond Keen - author of "Love Poems for Cannibals"
Very moving, heartfelt, well-written poem!
ReplyDelete