To kick off this newsletter of Yiddish poetry in translation, below is H Leivick’s poem, “Yiddish Poets,” translated from a 1932 edition. H Leivick (1888-1962) was the pen name of Leivick Halpern, who was for a time among the most beloved and respected Yiddish writers in the world.
Beautiful poem and beautiful essay. I love that idea of consolation in finding oneself repulsive. Maybe there's an intent of humor in the line (ie, our only "consolation" is no consolation at all) but there is a sort of joy in relishing in the things that make you an outsider, that make you disliked. Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man touches extensively on the idea, and I'm sure every marginalized people has found, at least in part, a similar sort of weird comfort and joy in celebrating the things that we know others find so despicable.
This makes a lot of sense to me as well, and I like your proposed humorous reading of the consolation. But I also think you're spot on about relishing what leaves you marginalized - so much Ashkenazi humor hones and even weaponizes this, and I love reading that here as well. "You call me repulsive? Amazing, watch me revel in my repulsiveness, and find a joy within it that you can't begin to imagine!"
Thank you for sharing and inviting us to read along with you. Excited for more. Love his biography, too and his resistance to defending himself. Wow.
I'm mulling over the "consolation ... to find ourselves repulsive" line.
Is there any indication that the "find OURSELVES repulsive" is juxtaposed against "our poems seem grotesque"? Having trouble articulating this in writing (need a live seminar...), but I'm wondering if, while the poems are grotesque, it's a comfort to turn the focus inwards and acknowledge ones own faults or inadequacies (so as to avoid the pain of looking at one's "child of the soul" as grotesque, incomplete, wanting)? Half formed thought, but very interesting to contemplate this line.
Yes I really like this thought, Grace! If I am understanding you correctly, it's easier perhaps to accept what we cannot control, even when it is somehow painful or revolting, than to accept what we think we could/should have done better...
I'm enjoying mulling over the consolation of finding ourselves repulsive. It resonates for me, too. Sometimes, the relief of "the worst" coming to pass, of being able to take off my mask and accept whatever ugliness I've been trying to forestall, in in fact a comfort, a freedom. Maybe the consolation is in succumbing to realness. Thank you for this poem, translation, intro, and reflection.
Great analysis Danny and a very interesting and thought provoking poem. I really enjoyed reading this first newsletter, and I'm looking forward to your next translation.
Was glad to see your wonderful project, Danny. Thanks for emailing the link (but where is YOUR poem?🤔
Thanks Linda, I'll email you!
Beautiful poem and beautiful essay. I love that idea of consolation in finding oneself repulsive. Maybe there's an intent of humor in the line (ie, our only "consolation" is no consolation at all) but there is a sort of joy in relishing in the things that make you an outsider, that make you disliked. Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man touches extensively on the idea, and I'm sure every marginalized people has found, at least in part, a similar sort of weird comfort and joy in celebrating the things that we know others find so despicable.
This makes a lot of sense to me as well, and I like your proposed humorous reading of the consolation. But I also think you're spot on about relishing what leaves you marginalized - so much Ashkenazi humor hones and even weaponizes this, and I love reading that here as well. "You call me repulsive? Amazing, watch me revel in my repulsiveness, and find a joy within it that you can't begin to imagine!"
Thank you for sharing and inviting us to read along with you. Excited for more. Love his biography, too and his resistance to defending himself. Wow.
I'm mulling over the "consolation ... to find ourselves repulsive" line.
Is there any indication that the "find OURSELVES repulsive" is juxtaposed against "our poems seem grotesque"? Having trouble articulating this in writing (need a live seminar...), but I'm wondering if, while the poems are grotesque, it's a comfort to turn the focus inwards and acknowledge ones own faults or inadequacies (so as to avoid the pain of looking at one's "child of the soul" as grotesque, incomplete, wanting)? Half formed thought, but very interesting to contemplate this line.
Yes I really like this thought, Grace! If I am understanding you correctly, it's easier perhaps to accept what we cannot control, even when it is somehow painful or revolting, than to accept what we think we could/should have done better...
Beautiful.
I'm enjoying mulling over the consolation of finding ourselves repulsive. It resonates for me, too. Sometimes, the relief of "the worst" coming to pass, of being able to take off my mask and accept whatever ugliness I've been trying to forestall, in in fact a comfort, a freedom. Maybe the consolation is in succumbing to realness. Thank you for this poem, translation, intro, and reflection.
Thanks for this very compelling read - which certainly fits with my experience as well.
Great analysis Danny and a very interesting and thought provoking poem. I really enjoyed reading this first newsletter, and I'm looking forward to your next translation.
Thanks Karen!
אדאנק. אַ גוטע אַרבעט
Psst, I think you maybe meant to link to his 1932 (Naye) Lider, rather than his first volume, also Lider, from 1919.
Although I’m of the opinion that almost all Leivick is very good Leivick.
Whoops, yes - thanks for catching that!
And we are certainly in agreement there.