“First consideration: Poetry is, in theory, untranslatable. And yet (and this is the second consideration) poetry is translated; nevertheless, we read poetry in translation; nevertherless, we know poets―and important poets that are essential to our culture, to our very idea of poetry―only thanks to translation.” G. Raboni MarinaMario LuziChe acque affaticate contro la fioca riva,che…Read more Mario Luzi: Marina (inspired by Marina by T. S. Eliot)
Giovanni Verga and D.H. Lawrence: translation studies
There is much talk about translation skills and whether a translator should also be a writer: This translation, which I love, is by D. H. Lawrence, and it is the answer. I have no doubt. That said, I have added some comments and observations. La robaGiovanni VergaIl viandante che andava lungo il Biviere di Lentini,…Read more Giovanni Verga and D.H. Lawrence: translation studies
Ada Negri: Ora piena
Ora pienaAda NegriOra mia, tutta mia, di solitudinepiena!… Dardeggia l'anima al suo vertice,vermiglia come il sommo di quegli alberiche il sol d'Ottobre, declinando, imporpora.Fui dunque cieca sino a ieri?… I liberigiochi dell'ombra e della luce, il ritmod'ogni forma terrena, le flessibiligrazie dei bimbi e delle donne, i rapidivoli nel cielo di quell'auree frecceche son gli…Read more Ada Negri: Ora piena
Cesare Pavese: The cats will know
Letter to Constance Dowling: April 17, 1950 “Dearest, I no longer have the heart to write poetry. "Poems came with you and they leave with you. "I wrote this a few afternoons ago, during the long hours spent waiting for you in the hotel, uncertain whether to call you or not. Forgive the sadness it…Read more Cesare Pavese: The cats will know
parallel texts: words reflected 