Poetic-Verses from ATHANASE
Existences (English)
Existences
The lofty night
And this reckless silence
Which cuts the throat of your voice
With a thread of damascene silk.
Thus they would assassinate
The royal princes of the Ottomans.
Yes, soul of my soul,
At this unworldly hour we are
Two grains of wheat
In the same ripe ear of corn.
Outside, the wind's sickle
Harvests the stars.
How a great blaze can spring
From a single tear!
How all that you touch
At once bursts into flames!
Soul, you speak true:
Each step towards the good
Brings us nearer to ourselves;
Each graceful smile brings us forwards
Towards the light of those who,
Filled with tears,
Walk upon the desert paths of the earth;
Unites us with the lowly hearts
Of those who have no arms and no defense.
Ah, how I love the whispering
Of the poplar leaves
Above the smooth lake
Of your pupils overflowing
With mercy!
Athanase Vantchev de Thracy
Translation: Peter Hill
The lofty night
And this reckless silence
Which cuts the throat of your voice
With a thread of damascene silk.
Thus they would assassinate
The royal princes of the Ottomans.
Yes, soul of my soul,
At this unworldly hour we are
Two grains of wheat
In the same ripe ear of corn.
Outside, the wind's sickle
Harvests the stars.
How a great blaze can spring
From a single tear!
How all that you touch
At once bursts into flames!
Soul, you speak true:
Each step towards the good
Brings us nearer to ourselves;
Each graceful smile brings us forwards
Towards the light of those who,
Filled with tears,
Walk upon the desert paths of the earth;
Unites us with the lowly hearts
Of those who have no arms and no defense.
Ah, how I love the whispering
Of the poplar leaves
Above the smooth lake
Of your pupils overflowing
With mercy!
Athanase Vantchev de Thracy
Translation: Peter Hill
Comment On This Poem --- Vote for this poem
Existences (English)
Existences (English)
