DL's poem playfully shows the difficulties of translation between British Sign Language and English. Part of Stairs and Whispers: D/deaf and Disabled Poets Write Back (Nine Arches Press, 2017). TRANSCRIPT: 'Bilingual Poet's Dilemma' by DL Williams As I hunt for inspiration, For poetry revelation, I wonder, if it’s Sign, How to make it rhyme. No Sign has 17 phonemes, And how to count the cheremes? And how to write the lines Of all the different Signs? And just how does one Write a Signed pun? I could use special notations, But that would require more patience. I can scribble some notes, But that’s not very poetic – boats! I can wave my hands in air, But that’s not a rhyming pair, And that’s before I consider Iambic pentameter. Wherefore art thou, inspiration? Why dost thou forsake me? Have I not shown you dedication? When shall I beauty see? Don’t mind if it’s in Sign, Or words in witty lines. All I really want, Is a poetry detente, Where, when I’m inspired, I can think of words required, Or Signs that can express, Or images undress. But not so they conflict, And leave me feeling tricked. What’s beautiful in Sign, Is boring in a line, What’s pretty in a line, Is confusing in Sign. And if the twain should meet, Wouldn’t that be a feat? So tell me please, Which language should I use? Which one should I choose?