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sgreybe
Member
since 2000-04-28
Posts 209
London, UK

0 posted 2000-07-06 12:32 PM


(This is a translation of my poem: In Die Nag, which is the original Afrikaans version, hence the lack of rhyme):

IN THE NIGHT:

I wake with a fright, peaceless
The devil and his helpers
Force my soul and spirit apart

Reality and dream, in and within each other
The whole night, through everything
I know they're there

From the distances of my guilt and the depths of my hurt
Doubt and a nauseaus feeling
Ring their familiar bells again

  My restless soul begins to calm down
  I open my eyes
  I see my life in danger
  The entire me exposed

Something glorious, singing, at the foot of my bed
My own wonderful angel
Here to save me

She creates a peace within me and calmly I sleep again.

(not so good in tranlation... comments please)

© Copyright 2000 Sylvia Greybe - All Rights Reserved
lotharingia
Senior Member
since 2000-06-04
Posts 897
saarbruecken, Germany
1 posted 2000-07-06 01:42 PM


What a wonderful description of the night, sleep and semi-sleep. I can't comment on the translation since you haven't posted the original  

Lotharingia
"For God's sake, he's a poet. Poets are meant to feel miserable. Otherwise, what the hell are they here for? What are they going to write about?"
Tom Holland


sgreybe
Member
since 2000-04-28
Posts 209
London, UK
2 posted 2000-07-06 02:10 PM


(I didn't think anyone would want to read the original, but if you do, here it is):

IN DIE NAG:

Ek word wakker, vrede is daar geen
Die duiwel en sy helper
Dryf my siel en gees uiteen

Werklikheid en droom, in- en deurmekaar
Die hele nag, alles deur
Weet ek hulle's daar

Uit die vertes van my skuld en die dieptes van my seer
Lui twyfel en 'n naargevoel
Hul bekende klokkies weer

  My onrustige siel begin bedaar
  Ek maak my oe" oop
  Ek sien my lewe in gevaar
  Die hele ek ontbloot

Iets glansryk, singend, aan die voet van my bed
My eie wonderlike engel
Hier om my te red

Sy skep in my 'n vrede, en rustig slaap ek weer.

catalinamoon
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543
The Shores of Alone
3 posted 2000-07-06 05:15 PM


I liked it just as it is, could not read the original . I think the flow was perfect, an all around great poem.
Hardrock
Senior Member
since 2000-02-14
Posts 948
New Hampshire, USA
4 posted 2000-07-06 05:24 PM


Sylvia...I loved both versions, but prefer the original.  It has such a flow to it...even though I have absolutely no idea what it says (other than referring to the translation), and wouldn't even attempt to try to pronounce it.  (Well, I TRIED, but it must not have been right, 'cause my dog got up, gave me a mean look and left the room).  I always look for your poems, knowing that I will not be dissatisfied.  You have never disappointed me.  Hardrock
SpitFire
Member Elite
since 2000-04-19
Posts 2396

5 posted 2000-07-06 08:06 PM


~I would love to hear the original read aloud by you,...I found the translation to be sort of tearing at me in the beginning and then calming at the end actually. Thank you for posting both,...I found this totally interesting. Take care. *Peace.
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