Galway Review 8 - April 2020

Precision Translation
I tell the interpreter
to say exactly what I say
to the parent of the child.
There can be no rough translation
of the operation to be performed.
The explanation too important,
the resultant questions similarly
dealt with and exhausted satisfactorily.
Hand is put across chest and exchanged.
Their child is now in my hands
with their blessing and dreams.
I want to do justice to their faith and belief.
24. 10. 2019
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