In writing - Conceição Evaristo

In writing hunger

With empty-palmed hands

when the hole-stomach

expels famished desires

there is, in this demented movement

the dream-hoping

for any leftovers.

In writing cold

with the tip of my bones

caring in my body the tremor

of pain and shelterless-ness

there is, in this tense movement

the warmth-hoping

for any miserable little vest.

In writing pain,

alone,

searching for the resonance

of another in me

there is in this constant movement

the illusion-hoping

for our doubled consonance.

In writing life

fading and swimming

on departure’s test tube

there is, in this useless movement

the treacherous-hoping

for catching Time

and caressing eternity.

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Conceição Evaristo (born 1946) Brazil

Translated by Zocalo Poets

Source: Zocalo Poets