Facing Life
By Magda Portal
Translated By Kathleen Weaver
Facing Life
I take up this unbridled cry
broad wave crashing on
my heart's beach
I HAVE NO PRECEDENT
I love the Land
because I come from its bosom
but my arms
reach toward the sea
the sun beats on my shoulders
morning's smile
has brackish kisses
the city opens its iron gates
to let in hunger's slaves
where man tattooed with sadness
gnaws his daily bread:
"every day is the same"
heavy shackle
eyes of an executed man
hands scratching at obscure ideas
light-hearted clouds
joy of the fields
joy of the sky
joy of the sea
Copyright Credit: Magda Portal, "Facing Life" from Hope and the Sea. Copyright © 2021 by Magda Portal. Reprinted by permission of Dulzorada Press.
Source: Hope and the Sea (Dulzorada Press, 2021)