Two Wayuu Poems

Abstract

Abyayala Full of Questions América, I don’t invoke your name. When I bare my heart to the sword, When I endure the bleeding in my soul. – Pablo Neruda I came without permission, The roadway of words Slips away in the avalanche of time And silence. I arrive with my voice broken And my ancient black feet Shackled by memories, My eyes shed the hatchet And the ocean’s ashes In this Abyayala full of questions Crossing the lilac smoke That encircles its uncertain body. Lindantonella Solano Mendoza (b. 1975) is a Wayuu poet, psychologist, educator, and human rights leader in Guajira, Colombia. Author of the poetry collection Kashi de 7 eneros desde el vientre de Süchiimma (2009), she has founded several organizations to support arts, civic action, mental health, and human rights, and has won numerous awards for her literary and activist work. Two Wayuu Poems by Lindantonella Solano Mendoza On Silence’s Rope You are the saliva of a word Bathed in moonlight. – Héctor Rojas Herazo No use getting drunk on what’s lost, The same syllable Shakes with sobs, Shrouded in silence, My mouth is a wall Cracked by death, Trying to calm The guardian of life’s heartless thunder, That ghost whose name we speak In a low voice; In the raucous future Inside my skull where The stones of eternity churn. Translations from the Spanish By Wendy Call Author’s note: Abyayala is the original name given by indigenous people to the lands now called América. CALL PHOTO© ROSANNE OLSON WORLDLIT.ORG 77 MIKTLANZIWATL (LADY OF DEATH) © CARA ROMERO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ...