Conch Snail / Caracola

by Lucero Velasco

Art by Ciprian Buzila

Conch snail Caracola, 

stop being afraid ya no tengas miedo

of the gray on your shell del gris de tu concha

or its cracks ni de sus grietas,

or its protuberances. ni de las protuberancias.

Don't fear No tengas miedo de voltear,

turning around and facing it, encontrártela de frente

observe it from within y observarla por dentro

with its labyrinth of calluses. con su laberinto de callosidades.

Forgive it, Perdónala,

it's not magenta or green no es rosa ni verde

like the snail shells como las conchas

in cartoons. de los caracoles

Forgive it and stop running, de las caricaturas.

you terrified snail, Perdónala y detente,

breathe, caracol despavorido,

caress it, respira,

put it underwater, hazle caricias,

and kiss it. ponla bajo el agua

y bésala. 

Ciprian Buzila, Wrapped up in Ideas, watercolors and acrylics on paper

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