Paper Angel

A poem about hope, power of will and perseverance.

My paper wings were ripped,

destroyed,

and the crumbles are released,

soaring lightly through the sky.

And without their weight,

without their non-stopping flapping,

there are nothing, but crumbles,

just pieces of an instant.

They're gone without being seen, being felt

and I'm sorry at every step,

everything I do

without accomplishing it.

My paper smile was sketched over,

Violated,

and now with my lips crossed,

I cannot smile in good faith.

And now with my lips closed

Can no longer talk and laugh and complain and curse

No more kissing without hurting,

wishing well without faking it.

My eyes well painted

no longer see your portraits,

'cause they've been smudged,

so only dark gets to me.

No longer see the color of reahersed moves,

or the movements of rosy lips.

Nor can I tell the difference 'tween man and women, guns and spoons,

blows from doves, fear from delight.

And my paper body was stomped, scarned and spit over

And even though I'm tired and destroyed

I still stand up, livid,

'Cause even thought I'm paper, you will never rip my spirit.

Caio Emmanuel

                                    13/01/09

Author's Note

Originally written in Portuguese. Original rhymes and some other minor things were lost in the translation process.

Reviews

[Renae]

I maintain what I said about how, because of translation, there's a certain mystery about your poem to me. It's beautiful, and kind of haunting.

Again, I love the theme of paper and drawings and paintings that runs through the entire thing. It's very new and fresh.
Bravo.