A Sa Maitresse Cynique. (Translation) . Poem by Michael Walker
A Sa Maitresse Cynique. (Translation) .
Et l'amour n'est plus alors qu'un compromis?
Un traite impermanent en attendant d'etre signe
Par les deux ennemis?
Pendant que Cupide calculant feignant d'etre impartiel-aveugle
L'ecrit, en promettant la paix, les chefs tous les deux conscients
De ses gambades signent mais en secret doublent leurs espions.
De chaque cote se trouve la nation ignorante et animale,
Bousculant amicales dans les rues, jouissant de bonne foi
Cette celebration,
En oubliant leur enmite avec des acclamations et d'haleine soule;
Mais pour eux il n'y a pas eu d'algamation;
Les chefs complotent avec calme l'assassination.
- ' To His Cynical Mistress'.Thom Gunn(1929-2004) .
' Thom Gunn. Poems 1950-1966', p.8.
I was fortunate to teach Thom Gunn's poetry to senior English classes, who could identify with his youthful outlook.
The poem looks into what love is and is not. He asks if it is no more than 'an impermanent treaty waiting to be signed'- a brilliant image of the wedding contract, husband, wife and two families ranged as in-laws. In fact they may be enemies. Cupid has brought about the love match. The couple are married in the midst of 'the ignorant animal nation', and there is much drinking alcohol, drunkenness, and pretending to be friendly on both sides. But, in fact, 'the leaders calmly plot assassination'.
This has to be one of the most searching poems of love and marriage that has ever been written.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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9/19/2024 3:21:51 PM # 1.0.0.1119
