[Emotion], Untranslated
a poem
![[Emotion], Untranslated](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1561583285-d60c089b6e49?fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wzNTY3MHwwfDF8YWxsfHx8fHx8fHx8MTcwNTcxMTAyNHw&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=75&w=720&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=vocal.media "[Emotion], Untranslated")
I am sure, somewhere
there are mountains and hills
dissolving into a basin of clouds
And I am sure that rain
descends like a chisel,
forming salt-falls in the runoff
Tears of the earth, abandoned.
I am sure, somewhere,
remnants of floods
ice the ground like hard slabs
of headstones — sealed, barren.
False seeds and storms arrive
on the wind of wildfires
flickering out to blue. But I sit
at the window pane
and watch languorous grasses
sway with the curtains
as Handel makes his way to me,
“Lascia ch'io pianga
Mia cruda sorte,
E che sospiri
La libertà.”
That I should have freedom
in the yellow of dandelions,
rich with ocean glitter and clear
violet…There is sunlight warm
as bread here and my eyes
taste the restless wind.
“Il duolo infranga
Queste ritorte,
De' miei martiri
Sol per pietà.”
I ask for mercy, this
my answer:
Were I to stop
forever, I’d feel the western
breezes pulse my blouse
like an inhale
and let me weep into that ending,
a single breath.
***
A/N: Translations of the Italian. From Handel's Rinaldo, "Lascia ch'io pianga."
"Let me weep
My cruel fate,
And that I
should have freedom.
"The duel infringes
within these twisted places,
in my sufferings
I pray for mercy."
***
For Poppy's Prompts:
About the Creator
Mackenzie Davis
“When you are describing a shape, or sound, or tint, don’t state the matter plainly, but put it in a hint. And learn to look at all things with a sort of mental squint.” Lewis Carroll
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Copyright Mackenzie Davis.
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Comments (15)
AAHHHHHHH I was so excited to see what I thought was Italian and then you translated it! This was gorgeous
Now, I'm listening to Handel's Rinaldo. Interesting, he incorporated "Lascia ch'io pianga" in his several operas. I wonder why, I mean it's a bit of cheating :D
The Italian whispers between each of your stanzas with such grace. The reader can feel the poet feeling Handel's words as she feels her own. This reminds me a lot of the relationship between place and language. Beautifully done.
Gorgeous. I'm interested in how you use the wind and the water. It feels like wind is a restless intention, like a directionless yearning, where water is purposeful power.
Oh but this was lovely, Mackenzie! I had never considered including snippets of other poems in your own poetry! That's such a wonderful idea! You really blow my entry out of the water! This is just... I don't have the poetry skills to describe how much I loved this, or the images that it put in my head. But I loved every line of this poem, and adored how it all flowed and came together!
Gorgeous! Really enjoyed the imagery and flow of this poem, Mackenzie! Very well done! Makes me think about all the things we take for granted every day
Ahhhh I LOVE IT! Obviously. I want to copy and paste all my favourite lines but that would literally be the entire thing. I swear I've been in withdrawal from your poetry 😭. This was so worth the wait. I love the idea of including excerpts from another poem and especially of a different language. You carried it out perfectly too. Literally everything about this poem was gorgeous. I think that ending might have to be my favourite part though!
Exquisite! You have a lyrical way with words. The english parts even ebbs and flows with the Italian. Like a song. Well done!
My word, Mackenzie. You see...it's when you produce stunning...art...like this...word pictures painted so vividly...such an impeccable and unique use of language that you are not allowed to doubt yourself. This is spectacular. I love the Italian and Handel parts...love that you gave translation...even though I googled it so I could read your poem and understand it. This makes me feel a little sad...the poem itself. it's beautiful and as people have notced...the rain descending like a chisel...the last section...stirring stuff. Even this bit...I adored: "Were I to stop forever, I’d feel the western breezes pulse my blouse like an inhale and let me weep into that ending, a single breath." My word, breeze pulsing at you, like an inhale. just...well done, Mackenzie!
Oooo, I learnt a new word today, languorous! Your poem was so melancholic and poignantly beautiful! So glad you provided the translations as well!
"And I am sure that rain descends like a chisel, forming salt-falls in the runoff Tears of the earth, abandoned." I love these lines- rain descending like a chisel.
Beautifully & majestically spoken, Mackenzie. This may have risen to the top for me of all those I've read for her prompt.
Lovely… “ Evenings that start at 4 in the afternoon and Forests shocked white.” I did Italian in school, too long ago… glad you translated for us… nice flavour with it.
Lovely work and a bit of Handel. ☺️👏
"That I should have freedom in the yellow of dandelions, rich with ocean glitter and clear violet. There is sunlight warm as bread here and my eyes taste the restless wind." What a picture you paint. Just a magical, mournful masterpiece. Well done.