The Poet Laureate of Jones Street

My wall is always here
invisible and in front of me.

I feel safe behind it
protected

and of course
locked up.

You’re somewhere out there
behind your own wall.

Often, our walls stand together
talk at each other

their words bouncing
back & forth

not saying much
just having a nice time.

2005, 2010.
Published: NYQ Books, 2009

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Mon mur

toujours là, invisible
et devant moi

je me sens à l’abri derrière
protégé

et bien sûr
prisonnier.

Vous êtes ailleurs
derrière votre mur.

Souvent, nos murs se tiennent côté à côté
et ils se parlent

leurs mots rebondissent
font des allées et venues.

Ne se disent pas grand-chose
s’amusent tout simplement.

2005, 2010
Traduction: Françoise Parouty