of Uncertain, vigil’s

L. B. Mek


Notice of absence from L. B. Mek
'fare ye well' kind friends

 

Enticed first-glimpses igniting, magnetic attractions 

electrified neurons, curating - Spring’s mirages

surfing, youth’s adrenaline of intoxicating - vehemence.

Time’s, muddying tracks have since washed-away 

that first meeting's - once, effervescent scenes

as now Winter’s colours: paint reminiscing’s - silhouettes.

 

Treasured one, I sit inking

my anxiety’s musings - a daily routine

soothing efforts - to ease, yearning’s aches

my feet itch, like Ezra’s ‘Merchant's Wife’

they-fight-to-hasten

our reuniting’s: idyllic scenes.

 

Though, at times - pacing steps, are anchored

to doubt-enveloped stagnancy, pensive

what if Li Bai’s – lengthier, original

had a sombre meaning: how much

was lost in translation?

 

 

© L. B. Mek

January 2020

  • Author: L. B. Mek (Offline Offline)
  • Published: May 3rd, 2021 03:43
  • Comment from author about the poem: The River-Merchant's Wife, translated by Ezra Pound: ( https://mypoeticside.com/show-classic-poem-22776 ); Li Bai's (or Li Tai Po, or Li Bo) original: is titled 'A Song of Ch'ang-kan' (below is 'a more' loyal translation, though still, 'only of the first half' of what is originally a two-part poem) with some helpful context: ( http://poemsintranslation.blogspot.com/2017/10/li-bai-river-merchants-wife-longgully.html )
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 67
  • Users favorite of this poem: Fay Slimm.
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Comments +

Comments4

  • Fay Slimm.

    A mesmeric rendering of love's first addictions L.B. - and in your own style of imagery so well worth adding to my list of favourites.

    • L. B. Mek

      once again, I can only express my sincere gratitude for your generosity and time, dear Fay
      this write is a little special, because the original poem that inspired me is one of my all-time fav's:
      'And we went on living in the village of Chōkan:
      Two small people, without dislike or suspicion.'
      ..
      'The leaves fall early this autumn, in wind.
      The paired butterflies are already yellow with August'
      (the day I write poetry
      with 1/10 of the meaningful, integrity
      imbued into these lines
      I will have climbed the mount Everest of my life)

    • Neville


      I really dont think I need to tell you how good this is L.B ..
      this is one of those that I really wish I had written myself and no kiddin ...

      ... Neville

      • L. B. Mek

        well, its only natural that once - in a millennia of moons
        even an egg can hatch something different
        and show a chicken something worthwhile..
        thank you for the generous comment my friend, very kind - as always

      • Kinsey Peterson

        i'm quite fascinated by your society here- some amazing writers (of course including the brilliant penman known as L. B. Mek) 😉

        • L. B. Mek

          I owe it all to those who chose to support
          and afford me their time and guidance
          all else is a huge slice of luck
          glad you enjoyed the read
          I'm humbled by your effusive words of praise
          how kind, dear Poet

        • sorenbarrett

          Many good lines my friend
          "Time’s, muddying tracks have since washed-away "
          " effervescent scenes
          as now Winter’s colours: paint reminiscing’s - silhouettes."
          I identify with
          "Treasured one, I sit inking
          my anxiety’s musings - a daily routine
          soothing efforts - to ease, yearning’s aches"
          And I too wonder how much is lost in translation knowing that it is impossible to translate from one language to another without loss.



          • L. B. Mek

            oh Li Bai or Li Bo
            is one of my favourite poets, maybe only Plath and Keats and Maya
            are equally or more cherished than him
            I am so glad you excavated this scribble, kind friend
            you've gifted me not only your supportive words, but a kind reminder
            for me to read Li's words more often, thank you!
            may I recommend you read his poem 'exile's letter' if you haven't yet
            (
            https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?contentId=13065
            )



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