Jorge Luis Borges (24 August 1899 – 14 June 1986 / Buenos Aires / Argentina)

In reverence, but reality of life.

In reverence, but reality of life.

Stunningly Sad. Don't put off today e.t.c.

Craig.

Translation can't never be the original in spirit of any poem. Very controversial the dilemma. Yet we take the essence of ones creative style and the thought one poet wants to communicate through translation. Nearing the meaning is acceptable commonly by the learners. Diction or the subtle singularity of expression may not be appropriate to translate a work, reader of other language does not expect the whole perhaps. Here Borges catches us with the first three lines. If any reader doesn't read the rest, the approach is sufficient to conceive the spirit of the whole. Here translation in better degree will not act more than the meaning has already been exposed by the simple words perhaps. If any mis-interpretation of the content, carries the translation, only then it is questionable otherwise it is a noble contribution of PH....Last two lines are unbearable. It is the irony of life.

Desire of heart is free flowing in this simple kind of poem! It is very interesting to know about the poet's desire!

This is a very sincere expression of the poet's thoughts. I share his views completely, I believe I would personally do all that he says if I were to live my life again...

Criticizing a poet for the authentic expression of his thoughts and feelings exhibits an ignorance beyond belief.

Wishful thinking indeed. If one misses all these in the present life, I don't think that he can make up all these in the coming life. What we are not in the present life, we wish to be in the coming life. Can we become everything and everybody? Never. Let us live this life with all our limitation, yet, with contentment and happiness. This is what we have to learn. What is the fun of having more ice-creams in the next life?

A beautiful, simply-expressed poem by a beautiful, complex poet. His 'The Art of Poetry', among many others of his works, should be de riggeur for any who wish to write poetry. :)

But the 'now' was/is Borges. How could he come back and not be Borges? A foolish poem by a foolish old man full of foolish regrets. But to the extent the poet presents that foolish old man to us authentically it is a good poem.