Jill -
I feel that writing in a 2nd language, and translating either direction, are two entirely different spheres of language usage (and brain activity!). Trying your hand at prose in a SL is one thing; trying your hand at poetry is another, and would probably best be done by doing a lot of reading of natural speakers' poetry first. If there is any way that you can get a natural speaker with Lit. credentials of some kind to go thru your work with you, and show what might be altered and why, you'd really be able to gain a lot. I think that activities like these help you "earn the right" so to speak - that is, they will improve your skills to a degree where your work will be given serious consideration because it employs an appropriately accomplished use of the language. Janice already suggested joining us on Translation. go for it!
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