Chris Hardy

Piazza Marina

I took your picture
several times
standing before
the fountain veiled
by fern-like
dropping threads
of water.
I tried again,
you by the harbour
and the church,
St Mary of the Chain,
framed by steps,
columns,
water, walls
and boats
shivering on the sea.
My father took
a picture of me
where slaves had once
been sold.
The film came back
but only trees
and the auction block
remained.
We fly like birds
from frame to frame,
I tried to catch you
so you would
abide like
water, walls
islands, trees
and chains.

Daniela Oancea

Chris Hardy

Piazza Marina

Ti-am facut poza
de mai multe ori,
tu stand in fata
fantanii inconjurate
de fire de apa
in cadere,
asemenea ferigilor.
Am incercat iar
tu langa port,
cu biserica
Sf Maria
incadrata de trepte,
coloane,
apa, ziduri,
si barci
tremurand pe mare.
Tatal meu
mi-a facut o poza
acolo unde sclavii
fusesera candva vanduti.
Am primit filmul
inapoi
dar mai ramasesera
numai copacii
si piatra de licitatie.
Zburam din cadru in cadru
aidoma pasarilor.
Am incercat sa te prind
ca sa zabovesti
asemenea
apei, zidurilor,
insulelor, copacilor
si lanturilor.