Translated from the Gaelic of Anthony Raftery (1784-1835)
I am Raftery the poet,
Full of hope and love,
My eyes without sight,
My soul without torment,
Going westward on my journey
By the light of my heart,
Weary and tired
To the end of my road.
Behold me now
With my back to the wall
Playing songs
To empty pockets.
******
Is Mise Raifteirí an file,
Lán dúchais is grádh,
Le súile gan solas,
Le ciúnas gan crá.
Ag dul síar ar m'aistear
Le solas mo chroí
Fann agus tuirseach
Go deireadh mo shlí
Féach anois mé
Is mo chúl le bhfalla
Ag seinm ceoil
Do phócaí folamh.
For "Tuesday Poem" based in New Zealand.
oh, my...full of love and hope, but with eyes without sight...
ReplyDeletehow curious....
xxo
Such a different quality from some of the Anglo Saxon poets I have read (and loved). The heart forces in this are so strong.
ReplyDeleteMelissa: if you want to know more, please click on the green name to read about Raftery, who was actually blind.
ReplyDeleteSigns: more heart, yes. The voice here could have become self-pitying but does not because of the taut lines and that last stanza with its command. I like so much how Raftery comes so close to maudlin- danger but does not succumb.
i love looking at the Gaelic words!
ReplyDeleteand the English, no fancy words...plain speaking.
With me first girl friend being from Ireland, this surely was felt. Thank you for this much needed escape into memories and the longing to share a few miles with him.
ReplyDeletePlease have a great Wednesday.
daily athens
Chelsea, Brighton, Portland, Athens! Lovely to hear from you after you've listened to Raftery.
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