On the Term of Exile
TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN BY ADAM KIRSCH
No need to drive a nail into the wall
To hang your hat on;
When you come in, just drop it on the chair
No guest has sat on.
Don’t worry about watering the flowers—
In fact, don’t plant them.
You will have gone back home before they bloom,
And who will want them?
If mastering the language is too hard,
Only be patient;
The telegram imploring your return
Won’t need translation.
Remember, when the ceiling sheds itself
In flakes of plaster,
The wall that keeps you out is crumbling too,
As fast or faster.
Hey everyone!
Greetings from the query and coaching trenches. As a bona fide introvert, I can report the last year and a half has been both harrowing and deeply nourishing.
The above poem is one I came across a few years ago when remembering my mother. Today is 20 years since she died by suicide. As of April this year, I’ve lived longer than she did. Her life is why I keep writing, keep creating. Because I think helping people find their own voice and healing from generations of trauma is just about the most important thing. Other than maybe exploring the world.
A friend encouraged me to share this query letter response I got recently to my immigrant memoir (below). Querying—looking for a literary agent to become your business partner—is not an encouraging process. But this letter has helped refuel my fire. To me, to you, I say, KEEP ON!
