in memoriam
This is my translation of a poem by an Afrikaans poet, Marlise Joubert. Afrikaans is my second language. The Lucebert referred to is a Dutch poet, who said “All things of value are defenceless”. Translated in March 2009. Below is the original:
sonder die veld se geur
van wit lelies in ‘n vuis
of die trae note van gesang en gebed
sonder ‘n graaf of ‘n word van eerbetoon
sterf hy op die vaal handdoek
op ‘n skoongeskropte tafel
eerloos
en ek onthou Lucebert:
alles van waarde is weerloos
sonder ‘n sug en sonder protes
sterf hy stil en donker
terwyl die bloed oor die lip
bly stoot
terwyl die pyn die gapende wond verlaat
en elke pupil al groter rek
om verlossing in te laat
terwyl my kind se hand
die troetelkop bly troos bly troos
en ek onthou Lucebert:
alles van waarde is weerloos
sonder dat hy weet dat ons hom groet
word sy lyfie riemslap onder die naald
lê die swart pels in ‘n boog gestol
half verleë die wit sokkies
van sy pote oor mekaar gevou
die bors se wit ster
gevlek en rou
en ek onthou van Lucebert
so moes ek hom verlaat
sonder ‘n lied of die veld se geur
en ek onthou terwyl ek huil
teësinnig teen die misreën op die ruit
my vingers om die stuur geklem en koud
dat ook hy, ja tog,
soos ‘n mens van waarde was
‘n keelronde warmte kon gee
met kromgeskuur teen jou kuit
weerloos in sy dierlikheid
en onvoorwaardelik elke dag
veertien jaar lank
getrou op ons tuiskoms kon wag
in memoriam belongs to the following groups:
! Creative Writing & Poetry !, "Poetry and Beautiful Women" , 1620, All Out Emotion, All Things Poetic, Artistic, Philosophical, Art For The World, Childhood, Collaboral Damage, Core [C.O.R.E], Creative, Talented, and Unknown, Ebony and Ivory, Freedom In Words & Art, Freedom to Shine, Imperfectly, Inspired By Life, Lifeline, Light In The Darkness, Live, Love, Dream: May you have a Blessed Christmas Season , Masterpieces: Literary Workshop, Midnight Ramblers, On Youth, Shameless Self-Promotion, The Art of Pain, The beauty of poetry, The Healing Journey, Universal Innovation, Up & Coming Writers and WMGwithout the field’s fragrance
of white lilies in a clenchèd fist
or the mournful notes of song and prayer
without a grave or a word of remembrance
he passes away on a faded towel
upon a clean-scrubbed table
without honour
and I remember Lucebert:
All things of value are defenceless
without a sigh and without protest
he passes away quietly and darkly
with the blood still spilling
over his lip
while the pain escapes the gaping wound
and each pupil dilates
to allow his pain’s release
while my child’s hand
strokes and strokes his head
and I remember Lucebert:
All things of value are defenceless
without knowing that we are saying goodbye
his little body becomes limp under the needle
his black fur unmoving arched
and each white-socked paw
folded over the other
his breast’s white star
stained and raw
and I recall Lucebert
I had to let him go
without a song or the field’s fragrance
and I remember while I’m crying
reluctantly against the sound of rain on the window
my fingers coldly grasping the steering wheel
that he was also
like a person of worth
who could give a full feeling of warmth
as he rubbed against your calves
as an animal he was defenceless
and unreserved everyday
for fourteen years
waiting faithfully for us to come home
Svetlana Sewell
Speechless – such a wonderful work you did!
Ushna Sardar
you’re amazing with your words Jordan! huggles
Erika .
I had to let him go
without a song or the field’s fragrance.....reminds me so much of when my cat died. So unceremoniously.
my child’s hand
strokes and strokes his head
without knowing that we are saying goodbye......just painful lines for me.
You did a really good job of translating though. Sometimes when one translates, words tend to sound “empty” (if that makes sense) but you did a really good job of capturing the essence of the poem. Emotions are so well conveyed. And it’s a favorite. :)
Peter Maeck
Elucidate – Your comment on my “Who’s The Fairest” sent me quickly over to your gallery, the poetry first since I write poetry myself in addition to taking pictures. Well, this poem here is spectacular. The refrain “And I remember Lucibert” is like tolling bells. My luck that you found my work and I found yours today. I’m now going to head over to your photographs.
JonoCarrick
RebeccaWeston
Congratulations on your well deserved featured in Inspired by Poetry
Becca