Read the original Portuguese version here.
The Waiting
by Suzana Mcauchar
translated by Scott Hales
The calm afternoon rests
floating on clouds
that dance in the mountains
to the line of the sea.
If you close your eyes
you will hear the wind whistling
between the silent shadows
pleading.
Attune your ears
to listen to
the pitter pat of steps
wearing away the stones...
If your heart
follows him every day
you will retain his scent
and the light of his gaze.
Your skin will scorch,
your lips will twitch
on tempestuous nights
as you yearn for the son
you fear will not return.
When the missionaries arrive
and your family gathers
you will forget the agonies
you will laugh and sing
the old immortal songs
that used to warm you.
This piece was published in 2023 as part of the Around the World in Mormon Literature contest by the Mormon Lit Lab. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.
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