Translations*

Translate constrict-
not factually true
I translate,
misinterpret you
As you non-
understand
me, I non-
understand
you. True?

Language boundaries, two cultures
trapped in one.
Love, hate, emancipate. All words
mean nothing without human emotion
slipping
stealthily
through
steel
bars.
Stay silent and maybe
Just maybe
you will be honest.

* Inspired by Brian Friel’s play Translations.