The Seated Woman by Clémence Dumas-Côté as Translated by E.S. Taillon

Finding Solace in Poetry: A Quiet Escape from the Noise of Modern Life

In a world filled with constant noise, overwhelming rhetoric, and endless distractions, it’s easy to feel lost in the chaos. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is step back, take a deep breath, and reconnect with the world in a quieter, more meaningful way. For me, poetry has become that refuge—a space where raw, unfiltered words cut through the clutter and offer something real. While many turn to classic poets or the new wave of Instagram poets, I find myself drawn to lesser-known voices, those whose words carry immense weight but haven’t yet been amplified by mainstream recognition.

Recently, I discovered the stunning work of Clémence Dumas-Côté, a Quebec-based poet, novelist, and multidisciplinary artist whose poetry struck me in a way few others have. Her ability to capture the essence of human experience with subtlety and depth is a testament to the power of poetry. For those who dismiss poetry as pretentious or inaccessible, I encourage you to let go of preconceptions and truly engage with the words. You might be surprised by the depth of insight and emotional resonance they offer.

Who is Clémence Dumas-Côté?

Born in Montreal in 1986, Clémence Dumas-Côté is a versatile artist whose work spans poetry, fiction, performance, and cultural mediation. She initially trained as an actor at the National Theatre School of Canada before shifting her focus to literature. She holds a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Sherbrooke and has published her works with Les Herbes Rouges, a prestigious independent publishing house in Quebec.

Dumas-Côté’s poetry collections, L’alphabet du don (The Alphabet of the Gift, 2017) and La femme assise (The Seated Woman, 2019), are introspective and evocative, exploring themes of identity, memory, and the physicality of language. Her debut novel, Glu (2022), further showcases her talent, earning critical acclaim for its bold narrative and exploration of human relationships.

THE SEATED WOMAN
You use me to make beehive calligraphy
but what I do is just ventriloquism
Here, an earthenware vestibule.

The honeycombs cover
the glory of my fever:
makeshift nets or filters.

The Seated Woman published by House of Anansi Press Inc is a testament to Clémence Dumas-Côté’s remarkable ability to challenge and redefine the boundaries of contemporary Quebec poetry. Each poem is a portal into a richly layered world where fragmented memories, fluid identities, and profound introspection intertwine, creating a deeply immersive and thought-provoking reading experience.

Through her masterful use of language, Dumas-Côté crafts haunting and evocative verses, drawing readers into a space where personal and collective histories blur and emotions surface with striking intensity. The collection’s poetic landscape is one of raw vulnerability and quiet strength, where traditional literary forms are subverted to make way for a more fluid and expressive voice.

With The Seated Woman, Dumas-Côté solidifies her position as a bold and singular force in modern poetry. She not only reaffirms her distinctive presence in Quebec’s literary scene but also broadens the emotional and thematic scope of contemporary poetry, proving that language, memory, and identity can be explored in endlessly innovative and compelling ways.

THE POEMS
You fell asleep on the tiles,
a translucent peacock loomed,
your sex opened and let out
a very blue, very high flame.

You wore a split veil, that morning.

But her creativity doesn’t stop at the written word. Dumas-Côté is deeply involved in cultural mediation, artistic performance, and podcast creation. She blends poetry with sound, theater, and multimedia elements to create immersive artistic experiences, often collaborating with other artists to push the boundaries of traditional literature. Her work not only enriches Quebec’s cultural landscape but also introduces new audiences to the transformative power of poetry.

The Art of Translation: Preserving the Soul of Poetry

One of the challenges of appreciating poetry from different cultures is the difficulty of translation. Translating from French to English is no simple task—it requires a delicate balance of preserving the original’s nuances, rhythms, and cultural context while making it accessible to a new audience. It’s like threading a needle, where every stitch matters, and even the slightest misstep can alter the meaning or lose the poetic essence.

In poetry, every word carries the weight of gold—each syllable, nuance, and rhythm must be carefully preserved to maintain the original meaning and emotional depth. A single misstep can distort the essence of the poem, losing its power and beauty in translation. E.S. Taillon approaches this delicate craft like a seasoned prospector, meticulously weighing each word, sifting through layers of language to uncover the purest expression of the poet’s intent.

This is what makes E.S. Taillon’s translation of Dumas-Côté’s work so remarkable. Taillon’s English version is carefully crafted to honor the original French text. Reading both versions side by side, I was struck by the precision and fluidity of the translation. Taillon’s thoughtful word choices and deep understanding of both languages ensure that the soul of the original remains intact, allowing English readers to experience its beauty without feeling like anything has been lost.

Why Poetry Matters in Today’s World

In an age dominated by fast-paced digital content and fleeting trends, poetry offers a much-needed pause. It invites us to slow down, reflect, and connect with our emotions and the world around us. Poets like Clémence Dumas-Côté remind us of the power of language to capture the complexities of human experience, offering insights that are both personal and universal.

Whether you’re a longtime poetry reader or new to the genre, I encourage you to explore the works of undiscovered poets. Their voices often carry the most profound truths. And if you’re looking for a place to start, I highly recommend diving into the works of Clémence Dumas-Côté. Her poetry is a testament to the enduring power of words to inspire, heal, and transform.