ETEL ADNAN (B. 1925)

‘This unfinished business of my
childhood
this emerald lake
from my journey’s other
side
haunts hierarchies of heavens

a palm forest
fell overnight
to make room for an unwanted
garden
ever since
fevers and swellings
turn me into a river

the streets were steep
winds were running ahead
of ships . . .’
– Etel Adnan