Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Martin Mc Carthy's avatar

"Tonight" is a poem that reminds us not to focus all our thoughts on pain and suffering, but to realise also our capacity for happiness ... our ability to change ourselves into love-gods and sing sometimes, rather than wallowing always in the same melancholy mindset. This is a powerful poem with an important message, and your fine translation does justice to it.

Do not strike the melancholy chord tonight!

Don’t harp constantly on human suffering!

Stop complaining; let Fate conduct her song!

Give no thought to the future, seize now, this precious thing!

Shed no more tears for temperate seasons departed!

All sighs of the brokenhearted soon weakly dissipate ... stop dithering!

Oh, do not strike the same flat chord again! Sing!

Expand full comment
Lishaelle's avatar

I’m genuinely honoured. Thank you for such a beautiful gesture , it’s not every day that someone places your name beside Faiz and Elia. Your words, your translation, and this dedication mean more than I can express. I’ll carry this with me for a long, long time.

Expand full comment
2 more comments...

No posts