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Transoceanic

Transoceanic

by Sadiqa de Meijer

Calls orchestrated over the clock-warp 
of Greenland, underwater cables, constellations. 

Static was a constant breaker, traversing 
an endless beach. 

Calvinist, so every word had to outweigh 
the coin that was its counterpart, but not too nakedly.

Often, delays in the line made our voices collide: I saw 
a skunk do you dream under the dumpster in English now? You go.

Or another conversation crackled in the background, 
obliquely urgent, on the verge of clarity. 

Later, she called at odd hours, her greeting as close 
as the pillow, bright as the blood red numbers.

Some nights, she mislaid the horn. 
So then it was me and the sea.

About this Poem

This poem was originally published as part of a longer series, “Great Aunt Unmarried”, which won the 2012 CBC Literary Award for poetry. It is available on CBC Books.

It was later published in a slightly different form in her debut collection Leaving Howe Island (2013).

About the Poetry Blackboard

The Poetry Blackboard showcases poems curated by Kingston's Poet Laureate and written by Kingston poets. There's a new poem every month, written by poets living and dead, historical and contemporary, published and unpublished, adults and children, giving full range to the cultural voice of Kingston. Started in 2015 by Helen Humphreys, the Poetry Blackboard has been continued since 2019 by Jason Heroux.

We wish to thank Helen Humphreys, Kingston's second Poet Laureate, for her generous support of emerging and established poets in Kingston through library programming and our Poetry Blackboard project. Throughout her four years as Poet Laureate, Helen curated a digital collection of poetry to showcase the talents of local creators of all ages, both historic and contemporary. Helen also offered several opportunities for emerging poets to develop their craft, offering group workshops and one-on-one mentorship. Her active engagement with the library and community has been greatly appreciated.

In 2019 we welcomed the incoming Poet Laureate, Jason Heroux, who continues to curate the Poetry Blackboard and to develop new community programming.

Previously Published Poems