CHILDHOOD UNDER LAPACHO TREES

‘Alain Saint-Saëns paints a dolorous picture of abused children in this text, one which rings with truth and poetically saves them from obscurity. This poet's critique of the adults is savvy and relentless, while these figures remain a force of power and desire that weaves a web of helplessness around the vulnerable under their control. The crimes are treated in a skillful way, eliciting double meanings, as in ‘father/Father.’ Alain Saint-Saëns' images from Paraguay certainly resonate with scenes in so many cities around the world, including Chicago.’ Cynthia T. Hahn, poet and Professor, Lake Forest College, Illinois (USA). ‘Alain Saint-Saëns’ poems express a vision eminently worthy of expression in any latitude, a vision which justifies the hard work of seeking its correspondent language, however inexact, in my own small corner of the English-speaking world. I thank Alain for the chance to re-create his text in English and in so doing to complete a triangle that joins three languages, three countries, and one entire world of beauty, anguish, and deeply-felt human emotion.' Tracy K. Lewis, Poet and Translator, Professor, State University of New York at Oswego (USA).