Katerina Stoykova-Klemer |
I am tremendously thankful to
Claudia Serea for inviting me to introduce my new translation and publishing
project. I am editing and (largely) translating an anthology of contemporary
Bulgarian poetry. It is a distinct honor and privilege to present the
English-speaking readers with a selection of brilliant, engaging, innovative
and new poems by living, currently active Bulgarian poets. The anthology is
still a work-in-progress, and it is expected to be published in June/July 2013
by Accents Publishing. I love every poem in the book, but I wanted to share
with the readers of The Writing Center three poems by three authors. These are
Vanya Angelova, Krasimir Vardyev, and Petar Tchouhov. I hope you enjoy their
work.
I also want to say that I think
the idea of National Translation Month is fantastic and admirable. Great work
and thank you for all you do!
—Katerina Stoykova-Klemer
ANOTHER AIR
the horse’s
nostrils breathe.
And the
moist eye
is
half-shut on purpose
Since he
knows,
why does he
need to see?
Only the
habit
still
prevents him
from
rattling his hoofs
towards the
stars.
Author: Vanya Angelova
Translated by: Katerina Stoykova-Klemer
Vanya
Angelova was born in 1953. She holds a master’s degree in slavic philology. She
is the author of the poetry books "Rain of Chinese Drops" (2003) and
"The Possible Travel Notes of the Body" (2010).
the good son K.,
it's
closing time dad
turn off
the luminaries
close the
taps of the springs
drain the
lakes
fold the
trees wither the fruit
arm the
alarm of the forbidden one
feed the
animals
check the
ropes of the dome
kiss the
snake goodnight
turn off
the source
energy is
expensive
keep
grandpa’s inheritance
draw the
shutters roll down the blinds
don’t be
late for mom’s supper
finally
free at last
go to the
harbor’s tavern
to make
passes at the white Russian girls
like a good
father
and I, the
good son
am going to
kill my brother
Author: Krasimir
Vardyev
Translated from Bulgarian: Katerina
Stoykova-Klemer
Krasimir
Vardyev was born in 1978. He is the recipient of ten national literary awards.
He is the author of two poetry books and is about to publish a third one. His
poetry has never before been translated or published in English.
Only
Only her
dress
is red
in the black-and-white photo
but this is not proof
of murder
it is not proof
of love
the night train passes
from one date to another
the door of the cabin opens
alone
Only his
eyes
are blue
in the black-and-white photo
but this is not a sign of
weakness
nor is it a sign
of life
the night train passes
from one darkness
to another
the door of the cabin closes
alone
Petar Tchouhov
Translated from Bulgarian: Katerina Stoykova-Klemer
Petar Tchouhov is the author of
11 books of poetry. He has received international recognition for his haiku.
His work has been translated in many languages. He writes and performs music in
several bands.
Katerina Stoykova-Klemer is the author of three poetry
books, most recently The Porcupine of
Mind (Broadstone Books, 2012). Her first poetry book, the bilingual The Air around the Butterfly (Fakel
Express, 2009), won the 2010 Pencho’s Oak award, given annually to recognize
literary contribution to contemporary Bulgarian culture. She hosts Accents – a
radio show for literature, art and culture on WRFL, 88.1 FM, Lexington. In
January 2010, Katerina launched Accents Publishing. Katerina is acting in the
lead role in the independent feature film Diamond
Days, to be released in 2013. Her text/audio blog featuring matters of
writing and publishing can be found at http://katerinaklemer.com/ownaccent/
Accents Publishing: http://www.accents-publishing.com/
Katerina’s
website: http://katerinaklemer.com/
These poems are beautiful!
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