Many of you know I work at a volunteer-run used bookstore and there are times when I help with donations that I find an older book has just arrived in a box, an older book of poetry! This is one of those times. I have enjoyed Robert Bly's writing for a long time, but have not seen this before. Perhaps many of you know it? Through the years, he has been translating other poets' poems, and this time, he's gathered the translations into one book. Even the title brings excitement for what's inside, doesn't it?
To Bly, translating is another joy. He writes: "Translating allows one to go deeply into the adventures taking place inside another person's poem; translating with friends is one of the greatest pleasures of the world." This introduction continues to share how his translation emanates, with whom he works and why it's a great thing.
The poem I chose is from Tomas Tranströmer, "who comes from a long line of ship pilots who worked in and around the Stockholm Archipelago. He is at home on islands." You can read more about him, including other poems and his friendship with Bly, here.
Morning Bird Songs
I wake up my car;
pollen covers the windshield.
I put my dark glasses on.
The bird songs all turn dark.
pollen covers the windshield.
I put my dark glasses on.
The bird songs all turn dark.
Meanwhile someone is buying a paper
at the railroad station
not far from a big freight car
reddened all over with rust.
It shimmers in the sun.
at the railroad station
not far from a big freight car
reddened all over with rust.
It shimmers in the sun.
The whole universe is full.
The rest is found here.
I am wondering if you feel some kinship with Tomas Tranströmer after reading this?
This poem is wonderful. I love meta-poetry. I'd like to write more of it. I'm going to keep this poem as a mentor text. And, how fascinating the joy of translating. It's something I will never experience as I'm not fluent in another language. Thank you for this shiny pearl of poem. I love it and the way it came into your life to share.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda, I'm finding this book eye-opening.
DeleteRobert Bly is a big deal here in Minnesota:) This translation is not my personal taste in poems, but I do love those pointed observations! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura. Each of us has poem favorites, don't we? This perhaps is not a favorite, but I found it interesting to read from another view.
DeleteWow. He had me "I put my dark glasses on./The bird songs all turn dark." Love that! And that ending— SO good.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm happy you liked it, Michelle!
DeleteLinda: I need to read more Bly. I found this translation fascinating, especially the last line. What I really connected with was your prompt on Rebecca's post today. Fantastic! Thanks...
ReplyDeleteThat prompt was always a winner in my class, too, Karen. I should try it myself more often. Yes, Robert Bly's works please me most of the time. I hope you find him enjoyable, too.
DeleteThank you, Linda. I, too, have loved Bly's work and have never seen this collection. I love the hope and promise in Tranströmer's line "The whole universe is full." It's easy to feel that way when spring bursts forth.
ReplyDeleteI found that 'hope', too, Jane, so glad that you love Bly, too! The collection is new to me as well.
DeleteIsn't it fun to make new-to-us book discoveries? It's what I love about our quarterly book sales! And this poem has so much to say about poetry. I like the image of the rusted freight car shimmering in the sun.
ReplyDeleteThe library sale is going on now, Ramona, but I just don't need more, sad to say. I feel the pull, tehe, but will resist! Yes, love the new-to-me books that I find at the bookstore, too.
DeleteI love "The whole universe is full!" Thanks for this, Linda!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Ruth. I am glad you enjoyed the sharing.
DeleteIt was interesting to read Bly's notes, and how the poet's "knife edged images" appealed to him, which made me re-read the poem with greater appreciation. Thanks for sharing this new to me poet, Linda.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Tara. I am a bit further in the book & believe that Bly's commentary is going to be as interesting as the poems.
DeleteLinda, you round a wonderful book. I have never read a book like that and throughly enjoyed the translation from Swedish to English. The poem was full of ordinary observations that encourage me to make my own today. Enjoy the spring forward time set with hopes that we will heard the clusters of birds singing soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol, it's been so nice these recent days that everyone is out purchasing garden supplies! Spring forward to you, too!
DeleteSpecific details like the pollen-coated windshield and the rusty freight car bring this poem to life, but oh, how the ending made me laugh! Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed the poem, JoAnn. He seems to include a variety of moods in his poem.
DeleteI have loved Tomas Tranströmer for a long time! He just grabs you and gives you a little shake, or maybe a quick dance around the room. There's nothing ordinary about his imagery!
ReplyDeleteI've loved what I've read so far, Tabatha. How great that you are a fan!
DeleteThank you for sharing this book and poem, Linda. I agree with you about the title. So intriguing! I also love the repetition and possibilities of "the whole universe is full." And the humor of those final lines! I'm sure a poem or two of mine have wanted to shove me "out of the nest!"
ReplyDeleteHa, I agree, a few of mine, too, Catherine. Happy you enjoyed Tranströmer's poem! Thanks!
DeleteThe title of Bly's collection is awesome! What a wonderful treat to find.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's been lovely reading. Thanks, Kimberly!
DeleteNever mind the actual poem (which is interesting). I'm fascinated by Bly's ability to translate from multiple languages. I had always assumed him to be a fantastic polyglot, but I think I know how he does it..."translating with friends is one of the greatest pleasures of the world." I will look out for this beautifully titled book.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Heidi. He adds more details in the introduction, then more when he writes about each poet translated. It's fascinating. Thanks!
DeleteWhat an interesting poem, it took quite a different path when the "charcoal drawing," appears, and the poem pushes the poet clear off the page, inspiring, thanks Linda!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Michelle. It does make one think, I agree!
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