By Nguyễn Thị Phương Trâm

YOUR WIT LADY IS MY DOWNFALL

 

(inspired by Phan Quỳnh Trâm)

 

Your wit lady is my downfall

I’m at your feet

grovelling

 

I’m your cloak and dagger

use me,

please

 

By this daunting horizon

your eyes are my guiding light

the muscles in my thighs

the air in my ventricles

the fresh air in my mind

 

You’re measured by nothing at all

the extent of your boundaries  

the oxygen in your lungs

 

They see your shell

Never your hell

 

The value of love paid

by a currency born of your soul

so behold my love

 

You are the clear sky

the blissful clouds at dusk

the dust in my eyes.

 

_____

JULY 2021