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Magdalene II
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Magdalene II |
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Master Senior Member
since 1999-08-18
Posts 1867Boston, MA 
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*This is another one my translations from Russian of a poem by Boris Pasternak. "Magdalene" (which can be found somewhere down the list) and "Magdalene II" have both appeared in the novel, Dr. Zhivago. Let me know what you think. Magdalene II The people are preparing for the feast. Away from the commotion and the stir, From a bucket, resting on my knees, I wash your stainless feet with myrrh. There I grope and cannot find your sandals Tears have blurred my vision and my gaze. Covering my eyes, as though a mantle, Strands of hair have fallen on my face. I have placed your feet upon the hem. Jesus, with my tears I’ve wet your legs. Buried them into my hair. On them, I have tied the beads right off my neck. I foresee the future so detailed Just as if you paused it by my face. Now, it seems, I’m able to unveil Like a sibyl, what will soon take place. In the temple, veils will fall tomorrow We shall gather tightly by the wall Under us, the earth will shake with fervor Maybe, out of pity for my soul. Troops will then begin their reformation And the cavalry will march ahead Like a twister in a fury, stationed, The heavy cross will rise up overhead. By your feet, I’ll fall down on the ground I will bite my lip and grieve my loss. To embrace, your arms are stretching out For too many up against the cross. Just for whom is all of this extent? All this suffering, this might, these nails? Oh, how many souls are on this land?! Oh how many cities, rivers, dales?! Before long, three days will come to pass They will push me into a regression, I will wait and finally, at last, I will come to see the resurrection. [This message has been edited by Master (edited 04-21-2001).] |
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| © Copyright 2001 Andrey Kneller - All Rights Reserved | |||
Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
If this is a translation it is very good to still have the rhyme. Good poem. Joyce |
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VAS Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450Oregon |
Absolutely beautiful! It was so terribly long ago that I read Dr. Zhivago that all I recall was the struggle with the names. This poem is so heart-wrenching. I cannot comment on the execution of the translation, but the weaving is masterful and lovely. |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
Wonderful poem. I don't see how the original could be any better than this. Betty Lou Hebert |
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ellie LeJeune Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156King of Prussia, PA USA |
This is so incredibly beautiful. You are a master of translation! Ellie A friend hears the song in my heart, and sings it to me when my memory fails. |
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Mabel A. Dilley Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 859Seattle, WA, USA |
Translation are very difficult, I used to have a book of tranlated BP and you have done justice well. "I am not now that which I have been." |
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