adieu
for a moment this was real
for a moment i believed it
but happiness long expected
long delayed
no longer seems probable
even if it leaves me inconsolable
shall we put this dream to sleep
but before you turn away
and walk out into the evening
with your body and its dangers
your scar, your crooked smile
and the gesture i’ve grown to love
your hand traveling on the table
take what will not serve again
the dark blue river of my veins
the door that frames your absence
and closes on so many wishes
thread my heart to a red string
a forget-me-not necklace
wrap your perfect kisses in this shawl
take my eyes
since they will discard their use
and see silence after you
but take also my mouth
as it will not do with anyone
what i have done with you
and through the window where
often we glimpsed the moon
as i watch you walk away
may the sky open and swallow you
before my not so astonished gaze
michèle voltaire marcelin
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Michèle Voltaire Marcelin is a poet/writer, performer and painter who was born and raised in Haiti, sojourned in Chile, and currently lives in the United States. The publication of her first novel “La Désenchantée” (CIDIHCA, Montréal-2006) was followed by its Spanish translation “La Desencantada” and two other books of poetry and prose: “Lost and Found” and “Amours et Bagatelles” (CIDIHCA, Montréal-2009) - translated into Spanish by Editorial ALBA as "Amores y cosas sin importancia" - all of which garnered rave reviews. Her writings are also featured in 3 anthologies published in France: "Cahier Haiti" (published by RAL'M-2009), "Terre de Femmes" (Editions Bruno Doucey-2011) "Revue Intranqu'îllités" (2012). She speaks and writes fluently French, English, Spanish and Haitian Creole. She has a BFA from the Leonard Davis Center for the Performing Arts at CUNY and a Masters from The New School for Social Research.
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