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.

spring has arrived

I want to say that poetry is quite interesting. Most of the time, I find that there are many things that I do not understand about poetry. I do know that not all poetry is meant to be understood. I guess what I do find important in poetry is the hidden meaning in every poem. Every poem has an imagined audience, and most likely a hidden meaning. But at the same time, it could be just plain thoughts, no more meaning than what is stated. Sometimes the simplest things could be the best explanations.

it’ll get different
by: Tao Lin

at work i wonder
if i should take anti-depressant medicine
finally, i decide, no, i shouldn’t
later i am feeling really depressed
do it, i say, take anti-depressant medicine
still later i feel better
anti-depressant medicine, i say, ha, ha
ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha,
an hour later i catch myself thinking extremely hard
about a bright green apple being where my heart should

Many of these lines are just thoughts, of an occurrence throughout the course of a day. In this case, the anti-depressant medicine could be his way to something emotional that he is going through. Instead of taking it, he decides that he shouldn’t and that he can do it. The bright green apple that he refers to could be his way of thinking that he should not open his heart once again. Maybe at one point in his life, he has had a troublesome relationship; hardening his heart could be the only way to prevent himself from becoming depressed or hurt emotionally again.

ENGL 13886-02: Poetry without boundaries

Voila, and ze journey begins!