Grandmother Moon
Like once upon a time
here comes grandmother moon
through the window
full of tales and memories.
Be brave, little one,
I'll keep you company
wherever you are!
Grandmother moon
tells stories and sings poems
that make us feel
at home in a strange land!
The literal translation of this poem was made by Andre Naffis-Sahely
The final translated version of the poem is by The Poetry Translation Workshop
Notes
Like 'Word' this is another charming poem written by Ribka for her daughter to make her 'feel at home in a strange land'. Here, she invokes the comforting feminine presence of the moon who's familiarity provides a sense of continuity in a changed world.
The opening line of the poem, 'Like once upon a time' immediately indicates this is a poem for a child and its delicate simplicity was a real pleasure to translate.
© Poetry Translation Centre 2004-2013
tom gowan says:
can we listen to this poem somewhere?
We're hoping to record Ribka when she comes to London for Poetry Parnassus in late June 2012.