Translators live a life
of great blessing, and of frustration:
they live uniquely in the mind
of the great ones they translate – and yet
are destined never fully to reveal this
in their native language, to their fellows,
countrymen and women;
must leave it to the reader, to restore to life.
We too, translators –
words into deeds, deeds into experience,
experience then taught in words…so -
charity, care, or loving-kindness?
maybe we are old, and we uncared for;
maybe we are young, and we uncared for..
but, caring care – this is so beautiful;
to receive; even just to watch; or best, to give…
and too good not to know…
so, we might follow that wonderful advice:
‘What you think you lack – give that! ’
and bestow all our ‘agape’, our ‘charitas’ –
the word which taxed - along with ‘faith’ and ‘hope’ -
the translators of the Bible…
that care that cares not to be care-worn…
we, to translate word to deed,
love, to loving-kindness;
love, to boundless care.
(for Mary N., too, who knows this)
You use language so meticulously, so skillfully, so impeccably, so thoughtfully - to explain, to enlighten, to enrich, to inspire. And yet your poetry is so much more than mere words. It is beyond language - beyond translators. Thank you. Love, Allie xxxx
Michael, What a beautiful message! I'm more than honored to read this. I love the 'What you think you lack - give that! ' line. You managed to put into words so many of my thoughts here. It's so nice to read your work. (My hours are shifting at work so I will have a little more time in the AM now) Great work as usual... you always manage to impress with your class. Love, Mary
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Kind, needed and wonderful words shared. I liked and I agreed with your words and thoughts.