Yesterday’s memories (Bilingual)

Ageing, identity, Society, Uncategorized 1 Minute 
Are you there, memories?

Yesterday’s memories are unreliable. Who is the baby in the picture? 
What is the name of that beautiful beach?  Ah, Hawaii, I went there 
once, but when was that? I used to send postcards to my friends 
and family. But where are these now? The postcards recycled, 
the stamps redistributed. Many of my friends are departed, 
my memories are no longer available to anyone, 
not even to me. When I tell my grandchildren 
about the past, what I don’t exactly recall
might be made up. 
Are you there, memories? 
I cannot guarantee 
the events are real 
but we had fun!


Où-sont donc mes souvenirs d’antan ? 

Ne vous fiez-pas aux souvenirs anciens. Qui est ce bébé sur la photo ?  
Quelle est cette  jolie plage ? Oui, Hawaii j’y suis allée, mais quand ?  
Où vais-je trouver maintenant les cartes postales que j’envoyais 
à mes amies, à ma famille ? Les cartes sont recyclées 
les timbres redistribués. Bien d’amies parties, 
les souvenirs ne nous sommes plus possibles 
même pas pour moi. Quand je raconte 
des histoires à mes petits-enfants 
tout ce que j’ai presque oublié 
sera peut-être  inventé. 
Où-sont donc mes souvenirs d’antan ? 
je ne garantie pas la vérité 
des évènements, mais
on s’amusait bien.
Like

Published by Yayi-Australie

I am a French-born Australian linguist who loves writing about multicultural experiences. Taught English in Zambia and Papua New Guinea, gained a Doctorate with UPNG. In Western Australia I worked with migrants and Indigenous communities in Kalgoorlie and Roebourne. In charge of Amnesty International WA, then moved to Adelaide. Short-listed by The Human Rights Commission for the Literature NF Award for the anthology I edited with the Multicultural Writers Association of Australia, I later published my memoir. Volunteered with the Writers Centre, became active with PEN.

Published