Celan, 1970
From frame to door,
the obvious defers, denying
entry as if
an eye could reclaim
or separate
the fallen tear
and the river’s skin,
or return
those words to
thought, water to
stone, intent
to cold
reason,
now to before.
He stepped into release.
* * *
“Celan, 1970” first appeared in October 2015. One of the most influential (and difficult) European poets of the 20th century, Paul Celan survived the horror of World War II but never escaped its shadow. A brief biography may be found here.
O at the Edges 
A deeply thoughful poem Robert ..
” or separate
the fallen tear
and the river’s skin,”
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Thanks, Ivor. I know that I’m missing much in being dependent upon translations, but Celan’s words have haunted me for nearly four decades.
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Your translation is very moving .. wow. .. half a life time of haunting words
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Moving piece, Robert
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Thanks very much, VJ.
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Welcome
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Where is the self-help class for returning words to thought? Ideally would be part of basic elementary education! Start with teaching WHY much of what spills out vocally might not serve well – individually or collectively.
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If only we could. I’m comfortable keeping “now” as opposed to “then,” except there are a few stupid instances in my life that I would like to take back. But then…
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