On the Other Side Poem by Ana Pepelnik

sometimes a ship appears where nobody
looks suspicious and everyone is normal.
well maybe a little bit frightened

there is always some weird life struggle
among schools of sharks below deck
and sweet lakes. i never know why every-
one always jumps into the waves
leaving me on deck
with starfish in my hands.
i give them as presents to the suicidal chef
who likes to imitate late Elvis before
jumping backwards and a little retarded.
later after lunch the same sharks
sing 'hey that's no way
to say goodbye' while sicking up
the light from Saint-Lazare

but the wierdest thing is i never go
crazy on this ship and i don't keep worrying
at my sanity. i just accept that there are
talented sharks and tone-deaf chefs.

co-translated by the author and Stephen Watts