i am woman
joy-photo mvm
( in honor of my mother who could not say these words but lives them through me)
who owns me
who owns my laughter
i say no one
a joyousness of bells
resounds deep inside me
innumerable seas rise in me
wondrous and fierce
my lavishness of spirit
inexhaustible
i rejoice in the world
michele 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.
Dieu merci,
J’ai su voir sourire le beau Port-au-Prince,
J’ai su voir sourire l’âme de mes aïeux
Par des chants patriotiques.
J’ai su voir sourire mon pays
Tout en dansant avec l’ombre des arbres
Sous la pluie des vents frais,
M’emportent encore l’envie de tout bien dire du passé!
Dieu merci,
J’ai su voir sourire le beau Port-au-Prince,
J’ai su voir sourire l’âme de mes aïeux
Par des chants patriotiques.
J’ai su voir sourire mon pays d’où le temps de ma jeunesse il y-avait encore une école, une culture et
Les règles sociales gisaient à travers tous les recoins.
Dieu merci,
J’ai su voir sourire les jeunes et vieux
Se baladaient en élan de la fierté nationale!
Oh Port-au-Prince, où est passé l’éclat de tes sourires?
Such a triumphant poem. Thank you.
It was written in honor of all the women in our lives whose sacrifices allowed us to triumph. Thank you.