Apropos of Tim's accurate criticism of Bly as
translator, I thought you all might enjoy this
parody. Here's a Machado lyric, followed by my
quick englishing, followed by how I imagine Bly
might do it:
Que quiere el viento de encono
que baja por el barranco
y violenta las ventanas
mientras te visto de abrazos?
Derribarnos. Arrastrarnos.
Derribadas. Arrastradas.
Las dos sangres se alejaron.
Que sigue quieriendo el viento
cada vez mas enconado?
Separnos.
--------------my version
What does it want, the rancorous wind,
that sweeps down the ravine
and shakes the windowpanes
while I robe you in my arms?
Humiliate us. Sweep us away.
Humiliated, swept away,
the two lifebloods drew apart.
What does it go on wanting, this wind
more rancorous every moment?
Separate us.
-----and as rendered by Captain Bligh:
What wants the wild wind, anyway,
As it falls off the cliff
And violates the windows
While I give you a big hug?
To knock us down, drag us out.
Knocked up and drugged out,
Our bodily fluids bid each other adios.
What's the wind getting at with this line of questioning,
daily more tremendous?
To unglue us.
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