I have two half faces Poem by Mustafa Stitou

I have two half faces



I have two half faces.
Two half faces.

Do what your Father says,
says the keyring,
and you will be safe.

And the empty snail's shell?
The mouldy bread?
The box of condoms?

The rat poison? The weeping
party mask on the wall?

The glowing orange
on the sideboard?
The Unbreakable brand
comb? The gloves
she forgot in her rush?

Two half faces.

And the mistrust
in my twinkling eyes?
As strong as the impulse
to refuse all
responsibility!

The keyring says:
Do what your Father says
and you will be safe.

But the snail's shell
echoes the god of joy
(and freedom):
Forget the difference
and you will find identity.

Translation: David Colmer

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