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Thread: My translation (to english) of a poem by Constantine Cavafy :)

  1. #21

    Default Re: My translation (to english) of a poem by Constantine Cavafy :)

    Quote Originally Posted by Kyriakos View Post
    There is a rumour (not sure if true) that at some time Cavafy met with Pessoa. They have a few similarities, particularly being so depressed, and also highly notable poets.
    My knowledge of Pessoa is rather humble, but yes, you can easily find some similarities to part of his work regarding the themes and even the use of "historical mythos", if you will.

  2. #22
    Kyriakos's Avatar Praeses
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    Default Re: My translation (to english) of a poem by Constantine Cavafy :)

    My new translation of a Cavafy poem

    Whoever has failed



    Whoever has failed, whoever deteriorated,

    with what difficulty shall he learn the new language
    and the new ways, of now being poor.



    How shall he arrive to the pitiful houses of others!

    With what heart shall he walk down the street

    and upon reaching the door where will he find

    the strength to reach for the door-bell.

    For the gratification of the base need of bread,

    and for having a roof above him, how will he be thankful!

    How will he face the cruel glances

    which will be revealing to him that he is a burden!

    How will the proud lips now

    start to be speaking humbly;

    and the raised head how much will now bow down!

    How will he listen to the speech which rips apart

    his ears with its every new word – and still

    you should act as if you don’t feel them.

    As if you are a simpleton and don’t grasp anything at all.
    Last edited by Kyriakos; April 02, 2018 at 11:26 AM.
    Λέων μεν ὄνυξι κρατεῖ, κέρασι δε βούς, ἄνθρωπος δε νῷι
    "While the lion prevails with its claws, and the ox through its horns, man does by his thinking"
    Anaxagoras of Klazomenae, 5th century BC










  3. #23
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
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    Default Re: My translation (to english) of a poem by Constantine Cavafy :)

    A thought-provoking poem, thank you for the translation, nicely done!

  4. #24
    Kyriakos's Avatar Praeses
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    Default Re: My translation (to english) of a poem by Constantine Cavafy :)

    Thanks
    Λέων μεν ὄνυξι κρατεῖ, κέρασι δε βούς, ἄνθρωπος δε νῷι
    "While the lion prevails with its claws, and the ox through its horns, man does by his thinking"
    Anaxagoras of Klazomenae, 5th century BC










  5. #25
    Kyriakos's Avatar Praeses
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    Default Re: My translation (to english) of a poem by Constantine Cavafy :)

    A new translation... this time of Cavafy's prose-poem "Julian's Initiation Ritual".
    A rather Lovecraftian (if you'd excuse the anachronism) piece by Cavafy

    Λέων μεν ὄνυξι κρατεῖ, κέρασι δε βούς, ἄνθρωπος δε νῷι
    "While the lion prevails with its claws, and the ox through its horns, man does by his thinking"
    Anaxagoras of Klazomenae, 5th century BC










  6. #26
    Alwyn's Avatar Frothy Goodness
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    Default Re: My translation (to english) of a poem by Constantine Cavafy :)

    I see what you mean, this poem creates a very Lovecraftian atmosphere!

  7. #27
    Kyriakos's Avatar Praeses
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    Default Re: My translation (to english) of a poem by Constantine Cavafy :)

    ^I am glad you liked it
    Λέων μεν ὄνυξι κρατεῖ, κέρασι δε βούς, ἄνθρωπος δε νῷι
    "While the lion prevails with its claws, and the ox through its horns, man does by his thinking"
    Anaxagoras of Klazomenae, 5th century BC










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