We get so strange across the border

[sovay]

My poem "Domovoi, I Came Back!", after elisem's pendant of the same name, is now online at the first issue of Stone Telling.

It's a rather incredible first issue.

Comments

*shuffle, blush*

[helivoy.livejournal.com]

I'm happy you liked my Akrítai article.

The poems are marvelous, and so are the images that accompany them. Evocative, thought-provoking, new windows to the world -- what poetry should be!

Re: *shuffle, blush*

[rose-lemberg.livejournal.com]

Thank you! :)

[sovay]

I'm happy you liked my Akrítai article.

Is there any chance you might publish a collection of the Akritiká? I knew of them, but had never read any.

(I see you recommended translations by Christódoulos Hálaris, but I liked your versions.)

[helivoy.livejournal.com]

That's very flattering! I did try to keep the rhythm of the songs in the three examples in my article -- it helps that I read and write poetry myself.

The Hálaris collection is actually of the songs being sung, which means the translations on the CD jacket are utilitarian. Unfortunately, I have a full-time job as a research scientist... so my clone will have to do that translation (*smile*). Also, given the potential readership for such a work, finding a publisher might be a major roadblock.

[sovay]

Unfortunately, I have a full-time job as a research scientist... so my clone will have to do that translation (*smile*).

Alas!

Also, given the potential readership for such a work, finding a publisher might be a major roadblock.

Well, should it ever become relevant, Harvard's Center for Hellenic Studies would be a good bet. I used to proofread for them; they don't stop with the classical world. And being connected to the Milman Parry Collection, they are very fond of oral literature.

[helivoy.livejournal.com]

You're right, Harvard was a pioneer in establishing Hellenic Studies (including the Seferis Chair) that looked at literature past the classical era. Greek must be the only language on the planet where you have to say "modern Greek" to denote today's spoken tongue!

During your stint there, did you, by any chance, get to know Stratis Haviaras, the novelist and poet who recently translated Kavafis? He used to be the editor of Harvard Review -- I was a reviewer there for a decade. Good times!

[sovay]

Greek must be the only language on the planet where you have to say "modern Greek" to denote today's spoken tongue!

Seriously. I don't think the Chinese languages have this problem, and they go back to oracle bone script.

During your stint there, did you, by any chance, get to know Stratis Haviaras, the novelist and poet who recently translated Kavafis?

I never met him in person, but I proofread that translation!

He used to be the editor of Harvard Review -- I was a reviewer there for a decade.

Cool.

[helivoy.livejournal.com]

Small world, eh?

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

I worked in the poetry room on the fifth floor of Lamont with Stratis Haviaras! (well not really *with*--I was a work study student--that was years and years ago...) Wow, small world truly!

A riot!

[helivoy.livejournal.com]

You did?! We almost certainly brushed by each other! I remember that tiny room and his even tinier book-flooded office.

I just realized that there will be this Pandemonium event tomorrow and it sounds like both of you will be there, as well as other friends (Julia, Vandana). I sent a note to skogkatt about a last-minute addition to the lineup. But even if this cannot happen, I should come and meet everyone in person!

Athena

Re: A riot!

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

That would be wonderful! I will look forward to meeting you!

[sovay]

I sent a note to skogkatt about a last-minute addition to the lineup. But even if this cannot happen, I should come and meet everyone in person!

Absolutely! I look forward to seeing you there!

Re: *shuffle, blush*

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

Oh! Just read your essay (because I am moving very slowly through the magazine)--how *wonderful*. I want to read/hear these Akritika now. (I loved the photo from 1911, too--loved the intense expression on the lyre player's face!)

Re: *shuffle, blush*

[helivoy.livejournal.com]

I'm very glad you enjoyed it!

Yes -- the young lyre player is concentrating so hard! As for hearing, there's an mp3 at the bottom of the article, did you click on it?

Re: *shuffle, blush*

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

Oh no, I didn't notice! I'll go play it now!

Re: *shuffle, blush*

[asakiyume.livejournal.com]

That made my heart ache. How lovely. Is that piece (or others like it) available anywhere for download? (I tried right-clicking on the song there in the zine, but didn't get offered a way to download it--though I may try again.)