Word Swap by Kate Fox

Poet in Residence at EX:CHANGE 2026

Christophe said the number of freelance translators
and interpreters
being alienated has accelerated -
it's fair to say in these times we are discombobulated.
Yes history is in the making
in fact the present is being made
opportunities for interpreters and translators
to be partners not just service providers
are rich -
hang on! That's Andy Benzo
on the phone in a week
wanting to hear your thirty second elevator pitch.
she'll say it's
apotheotikó (αποθεωτικό)!
this need to change the narrative
be more American
and move beyond polarisation.
there's a need for a re-imagination.
Though it's okay to take a moment
to breathe -
grieve
the world that has gone
what we might wish would go on.
Think of your niche
then take yourself to the beach.
uitwaaien
Let the wind blow through
renew.
Go orizontíosi (οριζοντίωση).
Make yourself horizontal.
find the edge,
the window ledge
the alféizar.
At the horizon
is a new view
even if you can't yet see
what it will be.
Loosen your pantygirdle!
Maybe someone you love
will give you a reassuring cafuné.
Cos there's pressure from the top down
when money is tight
they want you to make it done
and make it right
Look- you could be forgiven
for keeping still.
Eating cheese,
more cheese but in French-fromage,
more cheese but in Welsh-caws.
or get wet in what in Northern Spain
is known as the idiot soaker- calobobos-a light but continuous
dampening accumulation of rain.
Though perhaps we need to eat some sbigoglys -
spinach.
Sorry - recognise your agency to eat some spinach
grow in strength, in human connection
in engagement with the context.
Earn and mobilise your clients' TRUST.
Do you trust the surveys saying only 46% of people trust AI?
Do you trust AI?
Do you trust your colleagues, the world, me?
Does trusting happen before you can think?
Can you trust an inhuman tool?
Knowledge living in the crépuscule-
entre chien et loup.
Claude Opus A.I, (reasoning) Model 4.8 on Max Effort
helped me spell the non-English words in this poem,
said he sounds equally certain whether his translation
is uncertain or at least partially known.
Vertrauen and being trustworthy
develops over time.
The turning around of the ship
can happen,
can lead to a long continuous voyage.
We want to be called,
to be touched,
to have faith
that the other is reachable
readable,
there,
even if they're not who you'd ask
to cafuné your hair.
So do not despair. We have the power
to make for a mutuality
of trust and care.
There is still some strength that lies with you
so gather your energy, your faith, your courage
your grit, even in the face of losing it,
together stronger
more SISU!