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Poetry

Strangers

By Tin Moe
Translated from Burmese by Maung Tha Noe
Words are imperfect signifiers 
or
a word is a perfect signifier
I don’t know yet
Me and my language 
are worlds apart.
So
I’d rather not use words.
Unable to create understanding
language cannot serve as a bridge
to the heart.
You’d better not breathe a word
you might be misunderstood.
Music unplucked on the harp 
is sweeter, they say.
Don’t let me get caught up in disputes,
in arguments;
you retract your words,
I will take care of mine.
Let’s live like we were strangers.
English
Words are imperfect signifiers 
or
a word is a perfect signifier
I don’t know yet
Me and my language 
are worlds apart.
So
I’d rather not use words.
Unable to create understanding
language cannot serve as a bridge
to the heart.
You’d better not breathe a word
you might be misunderstood.
Music unplucked on the harp 
is sweeter, they say.
Don’t let me get caught up in disputes,
in arguments;
you retract your words,
I will take care of mine.
Let’s live like we were strangers.

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