L'epave rouillante au port temoigne
a la surface une fois, et toujours, blessee
abandonnee ou marchaient les conquerants. Cette coque-
la relique d'une bombe japonaise- c'est le visage
qu'apporte la civilisation aux lieux moins heureux.
Hors de la ville, aux clairieres vertes et soignees
de Bomana- ou les morts de la guerre, rang apres rang,
sans distinction de race, sont enterres a l'ombre perpetuelle
nous prechons le message de l'amour et la tolerance
aux croix de bois: mais maintenant, le frere noir
dont le frere portait les blesses, les munitions, les provisions,
ne peut se servir de la meme banquette ni boire au meme bar.
1970.
- ' Moresby Landmarks'. Louis Johnson(1924-1988) .
'Louis Johnson. Collected Poems', p.106. Edited by Terry Sturm.
'We preach the message of love & tolerance'. What can be better than that? But, what we see is the hypocrisy of man all around which reflects in his racial behaviour and practice of inequality. Thanks for sharing it, Michael.
discrimination theme as in my poem just after yours Michael. 'Ps: No Ice-Tray Either'
I was not aware of discrimination in PNG until I read Louis Johnson's poem. I will read your thoughts on that theme.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Without distinction of race, they are buried in the perpetual shadow and this act is thought provoking. A refined and revived civilization can preach the message of love and peace. Value of tolerance matters a lot. This is an amazing poem very brilliantly translated...10