courage (1) anne provoost
In these troubled times, we asked a number of authors we admire what ‘courage’ means to them. In the coming weeks, you can read their answers here, in the form of a poem, a memory, an anecdote or a more philosophical reflection.
-
COURAGE POEM
courage isn’t here
courage is what’s lost
courage is long gone
courage isn’t here
courage isn’t home
courage must stay put
courage is not here
it’s in a bed of roses
and in the flushed pose
of a boy masked ear to ear
pretending not to peek
at another boy
Translated by the author
(November 2020)
Anne Provoost (1964) lives in Antwerp and is the author of several acclaimed novels, short stories and essays. Writing poetry is her latest love. Well-known translations of her work are In the Shadow of the Ark, Falling, and My aunt is a pilot whale.
how nice that you were able to take the time for some literature
Perhaps you were moved or outraged, challenged or inspired. The online magazine allows us to introduce you to texts you might not expect. It also allows us to commission authors and translators and to pay them a decent fee for their work.
We make sure familiar voices get heard, but we also actively search for writers who are exploring unfamiliar territory or telling stories that get less attention. We find it important to give a platform to a wide range of literary makers, to shoulder them where necessary in the writing process and to pay them properly. Because we believe that all good and innovative voices need to be heard. You can help us to achieve this balance by supporting us financially. Your support goes straight to writers and translators.
Whether big or small, each contribution helps us to make sure that the authors get heard.
Many thanks in advance!