Tuesday, January 27, 2009

I borrowed a poem from the twilight

I borrowed a poem from a twilight blogger.
Because it was the first time I noticed the poem - though the poet is well known.
Because I wanted to share it with you, I attempted this translation:

"You are like a miracle
That was gifted once to me"

I love you beyond the words, the fence
I didn't think that I'd be able to say this big word.
"You said it before"."Yes? To you, maybe"
"I don't remember"
"Anyway I am saying it to you now, breathless,
I love you breathless"

It's long since we promised each other
to write from neighboring rooms
to send letters each hour
as they were medical records
just that ours would be records
of health.
From time to time the news channels should
broadcast a love story on a couple
randomly chosen, but it has to be typical
like we are...
Have I ever asked: are you typical?
Yes? Good. I feel reassured.
We can talk openly,
We can share our secrets.
It is so hard to find
a typical, healthy love nowadays.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

These poems and several others from 'The Ecuator and the Poles' lighted my love for Sorescu (especially those two first lines). They're like a little game, a sudden dialogue between the poet and his loved one or rather his muse, full of joy and love.

Cheers!

Ana said...

...but not to sweet. He always puts in just a drop of irony, just enough for the bitter smile...thanks for the original :)

Anonymous said...

Of course it's impossible to gauge the translation when I can't read the original but the poem you have cowritten with Sorescu is very cool. It certainly has "a universality to Sorescu's conversational tone and ironic perspective". Shall we have a big discussion about whether it is possible to translate poetry? Are you not in fact just writing a new poem based on the old one, given that the meaning of the words is only a fraction of what a poem is? Maybe not, you will just make me sound silly again.

Ana said...

Don't they say "translator is traitor"?
In order to be able to translate poetry well you have to master both languages, and be a poet on your own right in the language you are translating into. And it is harder than writing your own poems – because you have to re-write a poem that captures the other’s emotions, meanings…and do not mess too much with the English grammar.
For me it is a good exercise, a way to learn crafting my English. And if you like it and it brings you closer to learning a little about the Romanian culture I am happy.

anthonynorth said...

Excellent post. Validating love is often so very hard.

Ana said...

I am glad you did like it. He is an amazing poet indeed... :)

Tumblewords: said...

An impressive post - it offers so much for the mind and soul...thank you!

Andy Sewina said...

I love the writing style employed here and the breathless line, phew! It leaves me breathless!!!

Ana said...

tumblewords
it is an impressive poet indeed
Andy
I wish I wrote it...

Jeeves said...

Amazing post!!!Its nice to read such lovely poetry. Almost like a story. Thanks for this.

Anonymous said...

Thx for sharing and translating!

Sherri B. said...

This was beautiful to read...a love spoken of in a very simple way, yet a very deep love. Thank you for the translation!

gautami tripathy said...

Thanks for sharing this. I had read it a while back..

dancing verses

Ana said...

Jeeves, gel, Fledging poet
thanks for reading it and for your nice comment
gautami
I am always happy when I meet people that are familiar with Romanian culture even though they are not Romanian...

Anonymous said...

Yes, this is a wonderful post. I love the poem and, like you say, the irony. I can almost feel the poet smiling.

Your translations really impress me. It is a challenge I could never do (and don't know how). I cannot speak for the original language, but what you have done here is beautiful.

Ana said...

Thank you Julie,

it is just because the force of circumstances that I have to speak both languages. I am sure that if you have to live in a country where they speak another language you'll learn it...