Song of the Coast: Imelda's Story

Upon his eagle Medunde arrived
the youngest nymph entrapped by his flute
my parents' origins are in turn layers
upon a beautiful island
Sangihe Talaud

And the sudden clinking chimes of Manawore chapels tiny
huts alongside the Walanda monument I miss
the snorting of the wild pig couscous and malleo. Until the age
of twelve thanks to dancing Toumatiti Petik Pala
I had to marry Jimmi the rich old bastard who took ages
to die leaving no money, nothing besides a stack of debts
to the landlord of Karakelang island and like Jimi's
house I too was confiscated

Until yesterday I was Alex's wife the hunchback almost dead
too forsaken debt's jaws ready to wolf all down.
This time I decided to retreat
going to sea like independent men at night to Biaro Island
selling grilled fish to holidaymakers at the lighthouse
the fire and my soul refused to diminish
without demeaning men anywhere I raised
the children of the coast like my own I sharpened their
wits with fish snacks and herbal concoctions wrought by
my own fingers one day they will stand upon their own
two feet.

And I will remind essayists
Writing of a ragged woman coming to riches thanks to fish.
No. Not because she was a woman.

Recalcitrants prove it.