Two Poems (In Translation)
DOG PARK
When my dog plays with others
(so polite a bow)
I am instantly beatific and expanded
like a buddha
or a fat nun
how generous my attention to canine education
but also, and deeper
their capers arrest my eyes
and I too would like to sink my teeth in strangers
and know directly their condescension
and have the guesswork taken out
PARQUE DE PERROS
Cuando mi perra juega con otros
(qué amable reverencia)
me expando, beata
como un buda
o una monja gorda
qué generosa mi atención a su educación
pero también, más profundo
sus revolcadas me cautivan
y también me gustaría hincarle el diente a un extraño
y sentir ahí su desdén
y ahorrarme los rodeos.
PDA
My dog turns a corner and
Finding lovers
Growls sharp grey
Intent in each other’s faces
The lovers do not start
or stop their
softly mouthed-gurgles
like milk in rice cereal
Eyes closely closed
entwined on benches, fences and dirty grass
Hands slip and pop across the park
Young limbs, paunch bellies even
white temples
everyone loves love
Deft tongues wave away
even grey growls
and thus waved away
my dog and her interest
passes by their sloping hands
All swans come in pairs.
AFECTUOSO
Mi perra dobla la esquina y
Unos amantes
Les gruñe en gris agudo
Sumidos en sus caras
los amantes ni se inmutan
o interrumpen
sus besos gluglú
de arroz con leche
Ojos bien cerrados
enlazados entre bancas, cercas y pasto sucio
Manos que resbalan y truenan por el parque
Miembros jóvenes, barrigas incluso
sienes blancas
todo el mundo ama el amor
Las lenguas ágiles ahuyentan
hasta un gruñido gris
y ahuyentada mi perra
y su interés
deja atrás esas manos y sus caricias.
Los cisnes siempre andan en pares.
Translated from the Spanish by Sofía Ortiz and Julián Segura
Sofía Ortiz (CDMX 1988) is a visual artist and teacher. Lately, her work revolves around plants and mountains. She lives in Mexico City with her partner and their energetic dog.
Julián Segura (CDMX 1989) is a writer, teacher, and actor. He is interested in coffee, movies, and Anne Bogart. He lives in Mexico City with his partner and their energetic dog.