Song Eight
(from Baladas y Canciones del Paraná [1953-1954])
Now, the clouds carried me
flying
to the map of Spain.
How slight on the river,
and vast on the pastures
the loom of shadow that was cast!
Horses completely filled
the pall thrown on the meadows.
And I, mounted among them,
looked for my country and for
my home.
I happened
into a muddy open-air yard
once a watery spring.
Although no fount remained
it echoed back for always.
I say, the water that did not flow
returned to give me coolness.
Author: Rafael Alberti
Translator: Manny Grimaldi
14 thoughts on "Song Eight"
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Manny, what you have done this month is no less than tremendous.
This one is no exception and that last last line is such a beautiful place to end. For now.
” I say, the water that did not flow
returned to give me coolness.”
thank you brother man
Totally agree, that last line carries me away. I’ve so looked forward to reading your translations and originals all month — can’t wait to re-acquaint myself with them in the book.
Thanks so much for your poems this month. I really enjoyed them.
I like how your translation slows down the lines, as in:
slight on the river
vast on the pastures
the loom of shadow
for always
the water that did not flow
🥰🤪❤️
Wonderful work translating this month, Manny. I hope you publish a book of these.
Resting and reading for a while is doctor’s orders, Kevin.
Just 20 minutes ago I stared at this computer think what’s it going to be for today. A quiet came. No particular thing.
That tends to end within hours with me, Ask Linda and Katerina. I’m going to die with a laptop.
The water returning is just a stunning concept. Your Alberti translations are my favorite. I really want to see them in a book too. Good work every day this month. Of all the poets I know, you at the most dedicated. Do you ever stop?
Rafael Albert is great isn’t he? Linda, I have appreciated the frank and true friendship you have poured on me, with Coleman, and your beautiful home and monsters, since 2020. You are aces. Love you bunches.
I don’t how a guy like me gets so lucky to have made such true friends by such a simple twist of fate. My dear friend Carol says “you should write with Deanna Mascle”, Deanna says “lexpomo is coming” – I say “what’s that?”
I can’t even enumerate the reasons I am so grateful.
you’re a dedicated delight
the best thing after today is having the leisure to go back and browse your creative translations & originals
I am grateful to hear that.
I’ve really enjoyed your poems this month, Manny!
▪️ send me an email sometime to m.grimaldi@icloud.com Shaun should you like to correspond.