On 'Refuge': 8 must-read poetry books in translation for National Poetry Day
Explore eight of some of the most important poetry books in translation for National Poetry Day on this year's theme of 'Refuge'.
Explore eight of some of the most important poetry books in translation for National Poetry Day on this year's theme of 'Refuge'.
By: W N Herbert,
W.N. Herbert, co-editor of ‘So At One With You’, an anthology of the last fifty year of Somali poetry, reflects on editing the book and his own relationship with the Somali poets he has translated.
By: Clare Pollard,
In this fascinating essay, poet Clare Pollard talks about how vital the process of learning about Somali culture - camels, khat and all - helped her translate Caasha’s poetry. And how she turned to early English alliterative verse for inspiration.
By: Martin Orwin,
Martin Orwin describes his initial approach to translating Gaarriye’s poetry as ‘an intense, deep reading’. He aims to make literal versions that ‘come to rest on the page dancing to as close a tune as possible as the original’. And he discusses the significance of ‘the interaction between syntax, metre and alliteration’ in Somali poetry.
By: James Byrne
Gaarriye was interviewed by James Byrne for The Wolf, just before his return to Somaliland following his participation in the 2005 World Poets’ Tour.
By: James Byrne
In an interview given to The Wolf, David Harsent discussed co-translating Somali poet, Gaarriye. A full version on the interview was published in The Wolf, no.11.