Translate From Speech
Let's dwell a tiny bit on that skill most hanker after,
of mastering a language that especially enthrals,
infused with magic rhythm so fervent,
pulsing music lilt, anthem-rich samba,
think for one ecstatic heady moment,
if only we could just climb that Everest peak,
of those geniuses somehow among us,
who are fluent in a major spoken medium,
the way they seamlessly connect,
as if it were vernacular incarnate,
from birth or other dream infant launchpad,
but faint heart syndrome hovering about,
excuses, excuses, the lists expands,
that callous saboteur off leash,
wicked dog whisperer of no belief,
tight schedule, high agenda, spartan leeway,
puerile spectrum of vacuous nonstarter,
embarrassment at gauche pronunciation,
the usual niggling self-doubt beyond reach,
the likelihood of cruel sneers rampant,
with little pity for the novice or greenhorn,
weighing down a prospect on some wobbly scale,
regardless of the language I select,
and isn't there an infinite array?
scan the lexicon, consult encyclopaedias,
you know that prized eclectic jewel,
discreetly sequestered in a deep vault,
another intriguing subject, storage, secret keeper,
but I digress if only for a second to ponder,
to summon up, to pluck up, to gather up,
whatever florid term seems apt,
of the ditherer loath to confront a block,
their obvious distinct lack of gumption,
but golden endpoint still exacts its lure,
maybe I should seize this opportunity,
plod with caution, plot with steel focus,
a clear decision must be arrived at,
go on, what’s the worst that could happen,
disaster the thing of gutless loiter,
book that class, nab that phrase book,
off I go, to hell with consequence,
it can’t be such a daunting task,
even if a superficial grasp the only upshot,
squirm as I may, flinch as I might,
effort is a useful contagion I'd wager,
pool your resources, optimize progress,
even the minor faltered step has to count,
right in the middle or the muddled mix up,
of an internet class I discovered just now,
I gingerly balance a tuition manual,
on my restless lap with screen content,
unsure most likely, hazardous, random shot,
this fearful dilemma, starstruck perhaps,
dull forlorn delay again and again,
French and German, household patois,
chart topping pick among the upbeat,
drop down menu, drop down rate,
index on the callow heart flutter,
stress facet gnawing at intention,
remember how I framed my first words,
in broken English baby sayings,
the early stages often seem the worst,
in an instant, a basic module polished off,
perhaps I should refrain from lack of vision,
though my glowing torch a tantalising faraway realm
Copyright ©
Howard Kerr
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