Numero 8. (Translation) . Poem by Michael Walker
Numero 8. (Translation) .
C'etait un visage que l'obscurite pouvait tuer
dans un instant
un visage aussi aisement blesse
par le rire ou la lumiere
'Nous pensons autrement pendant la nuit'
me dit-elle une fois
en se couchant en arriere avec langueur
Comme elle citait Cocteau
'Je sens qu'il y a un ange en moi' disait-elle
'que je choque continuellement'
Puis elle souriait et regardait ailleurs
allumait une cigarette pour moi
soupirait en se levant
et etendait son corps doux
laissait tomber un bas
-' Number 8'. Lawrence Ferlinghetti b.1919.
This is a memory of a girlfriend of his in the past. She had a sensitive face, easily hurt.In her opinion, people thought differently at night, which is true I think. She felt that she was letting down the angel in her. She would light a cigarette, stretch her body, and take off a stocking.
This translation is definitely very beautiful translation. Effort given is appreciated. Darkness hurts the face but light sprinkles joy over face. We think differently during night but joy adores the moment at day time. Light does the magic. An interesting poem is beautifully penned by Lawrence Ferlinghetti and translated by you..10
I am glad that you like this lyric poem. As you so rightly say, 'Light does the magic'.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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8/29/2026 1:27:01 AM # rel_20260827T145718Z_a0f1bd3
This is kind of a study in human behaviour, especially male mentality. The poet has dealt with the subject with utmost sensitivity and skill. Thanks for presenting the translated version of the poem.
Yes, there is the factor of the male mentality here. He does write with taste and sensitivity about her magnetic attractions.