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.
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.
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?🤔
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.