Perimeter of a circle: Circumference [mag]

This particular publisher has focused their intentions mainly on translations of poems and works written in languages other than English. The main mission is to dig out works worldwide and find new meanings and trains of thoughts that couldn’t be described in English or have fallen under the English “radar” and influence. They want to manifest the beautiful words first stated in a foreign language and then give the translation so English readers can understand the work that would not be understood without the help of translation through Circumference [mag]. I find it quite significant for them to go to the extent of breeching federal law (unintentionally of course). Should they be able to provide publishing for embargoed countries such as Iran and Cuba? Although there is some sort of opposition inflicted upon these countries by the United States, words…should not be restricted. Words… thoughts… written thoughts are powerful. It doesn’t seem right that works from the embargoed countries should be restricted.

The poem written by Humberto Ak’abal is quite an amazing poem when it comes to dreaming of places. This poem talks of the possibility the sky is not so far after all if you climb a cypress, but in Momostenango, you will touch the sky if you climb a cypress. Unlike the other translations and works in Circumference [mag], this poem takes on the face of three languages; First in Maya Ki’che, then Spanish, and finally English. My thought is that the original was written in Maya Ki’che, and was translated to Spanish by Mr. Ak’abal. The poem seems to have been an oral legend passed down by generations speaking about Momostenango. I want to say that for Spanish speakers, the most important translation would be Mr Ak’abal’s translation from Maya Ki’che to Spanish. Without the bridge, it could not have made its way into the Spanish speaking worlds and eventually to the English speaking culture. It’s nice how a translation can bring two opposite cultures together to understand one poem.