Ten kwiat zawstydza mnie
(Eng. This flower shames me)
self-portrait
(May 1st, 2014)
inspired by poetry by H. Poświatowska (excerpt)
Polish text Copyright 1989 Wydawnictwo Literackie, Kraków, Poland
Halina Poświatowska, Polish, d. 11 oct 1967.
translation by Marek Lugowski, marek@enteract.com
twice22.org/HalinaFAQ/
—
ten kwiat
zawstydza mnie
gorzką umiejętnością zapachu
nie potrafię
w złocie prostoty
patrzeć w twarz wschodzącemu słońcu
—
this flower
shames me
with its bitter proficiency at smell
I am unable
in the gold of simplicity
to look the rising sun in the eye
—
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Wonderful poetry, apparently not even known to many.
I agree but rather for Anglophone audience. Her poetry is very appreciated in Poland.
Interpretation brings its national air to the original poetry. It can be either worse or better. In this case it’s of universal value. You’ve brought your own, unique interpretation with your nature and body which appeals to me as well. But you think “the flower” is to be on shoulder. I’d carefully suggest it’s not there. Though it can be just an imagery of a male resting in his jumbo mind. : ) Thank you for your reply and I apologize for my clumsy, rambling thoughts if you find them so. : ) Greetings from Ukraine.
stunning!
Thank you very much!