Epigram

by Armand Lanusse
translated by Jennifer Gipson

This text is presented in the framework of the project "The stories that history tells us:  Afro-Créole literature from 19th Century Louisiana".

Version française

Introduction: Armand Lanusse

"So you do not wish to renounce Satan?"
Said a good pastor to a certain bigot
Who, with a substantial list of weighty sins, came once a year
To relate to him the endless account.
"I want to repent," she said, "forevermore, 
But before the first glimmer of grace
Purges my soul of all sinful desires,
Can I only, pastor……" Well what ?…… "place my daughter?"