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Poetry Foundation

Snail

By Ho Xuan Huong
Translated By Marilyn Chin
Mother and father gave birth to a snail
Night and day I crawl in smelly weeds
Dear prince, if you love me, unfasten my door
Stop, don't poke your finger up my tail!

Notes:

Read the translator's notes on this poem.

Source: Poetry (April 2008)
p1
This Poem Appears In
Poetry Magazine April 2008 issue cover, with Balint Zsako's illustration, "Untitled".
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    Translator’s Note: “Snail” by ​Ho Xuan Huong

    By Marilyn Chin
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