Eternity Quote by Jorie Graham
“These are crystalline - oftentimes incandescent - translations of Juarroz's powerful metaphysical poems where eternity and silence jut up against a world where “writing infects the landscape” and there are “more letters than leaves” - The kind of match one hopes for where both the translator and the poet are in luck; new poems which don't leak and yet old poems in which the original passion shines.”
About This Quote
Source Literary criticism: Review of translations, date unknown
Translations aim to capture metaphysical depth, balancing fidelity and poetic vitality; successful work preserves original passion while creating fresh resonance.
In simple terms: Translations balance faith and freshness.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize both meaning and poetic energy.
Themes
translation
poetry
metaphysics
language
creativity
Mood
analytical
appreciative
Type
critical
literary
When to use this quote
- academic publishing
- poetry workshops
- cross‑cultural literature
Key Concepts
fidelity
innovation
literary interpretation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you judge a translation’s success?
- What compromises are acceptable in poetic translation?
A Different Perspective
Some nuances inevitably shift, risking loss of original nuance.
![“[poems are] crystals deposited after the effervescent contact of the spirit with reality. (cristaux deposes apres l'effervescent contact de l'esprit avec la realite)” quote by Pierre Reverdy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eb1/pierre-reverdy-33281_poems_poems-are-crystals-deposited-after-the-e_13424.jpg)
![“[Poetry] strips the veil of familiarity from the world, and lays bear the naked and sleeping beauty which is the spirit of its forms.” quote by Percy Bysshe Shelley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0a5/percy-bysshe-shelley-476_beauty_poetry-strips-the-veil-of-familiarity-fr_3206301.jpg)
