I admire all the aims of Free Verse,
‘tis explicit in all that I do
in shaping the stress to converse
with a rhyme-scheme restricted to two.
That I stay with this number is true, -
a linguistic abuse, maybe worse,
how it weighs and encumbers the view! -
but French art needs its aid, though perverse.
Else the Muse would be dumb to a curse,
for to accent, the lingo’s deaf too, -
though what can one do ? All’s averse
to fantasy rhyme calls on cue !
May Free Verse’s aims bring joy unto
the young sparks who chance meanings coerce -
whose mental gymnastics’ fun value
is the fire to inspire hopes they’d nurse.
They’re young colts who green pastures traverse
with gravity worthy their virtue,
though mad they’re superb, and no hearse
they’d inherit ! Free Verse tempts ! You too ?
© Jonathan Robin - Poem written 19 June 1991
Translation Paul VERLAINE - see below Vers Libres
Vers Libres
J’admire l’ambition du Vers Libre, -
Et moi-même que fais-je en ce moment
Que d’essayer d’émouvoir l’équilibre
D’un nombre ayant deux rhythmes seulement?
Il est vrai que je reste dans ce nombre
Et dans la rime, un abus que je sais
Combien il pèse et combien il encombre,
Mais indispensable à notre art français.
Autrement muet dans la poésie,
Puisque le langage est sourd à l’accent.
Qu’y voulez vous faire? Et la fantaisie
Ici perd ses droits: rimer est pressant.
Que l’ambition du Vers Libre hante
De jeunes cerveaux épris de hazards!
C’est l’ardeur d’une illusion touchante.
On ne peut que sourire à leurs écarts.
Gais poulains qui vont gambadant sur l’herbe
Avec une sincère gravité!
Leur cas est fou, mais leur âge est superbe.
Gentil vraiment, le Vers Libre tente!
Paul VERLAINE 1844_1896 Epigrammes
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Comments
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I like the style...
too bad I can't read it in the true language to see the difference you did to get it this good.
May Free Verse’s aims bring joy unto
the young sparks who chance meanings coerce -
whose mental gymnastics’ fun value
is the fire to inspire hopes they’d nurse.
this is an excellent stanza.
. Rewarded 6
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good translation. but i'm confused, isn't a translation truly not a creation in and of itself? granted it requires poetic comprehension, but it is not a product of the translator's psyche in any way really. i praise verlaine for his verse, and you for your translation/interpretation of it.
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Translations
Translation in general and poetic translation in particular, where competently rendered, need not necessarily be verbatim but should key into and or extend the mindset of the original.
This implies the ability to dream in both the language(s) translated from and to, and also insight into the linguistics of the languages involved.
When successful, the translation is both "beautiful and faithful"
Thanking you for the compliments
Best regards
Jonathan Robin
http://www.icdri.org/JR.htm
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EXCELLENT rhyme pattern! Witty and well expressed!
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