ELSEWHERE

I live elsewhere

Not the elsewhere you know
much farther,
if you go sideways

you will hear the tinkle
of light on time
it is the portal’s bell
that you must push with your finger

and if its wood is swollen
after a recent night’s tears:
with your hand or both arms

and if its hinges are rusty
because my heart has hardened:
with all your body

but beware! Do not trip
my portal opens on the void
and you could topple
topsy-turvy
where
at the very bottom
with my still in my arms
I wait for you at my door

Sylvie M. Miller
February 2010

Translated from the original French by Tatul Sonentz