Chris Johnston Poet Epitaph

Ashes and Diamonds: Translation

Pell-mell from you as from a blazing torch
Molten shards,
Aflame you know not if the fire heralds freedom.
Or will consume all you cherish

Will only ashes be left,
Hurled into the abyss from the tempest?
Or do the ashes hold the glory
Of a celestial diamond
The Dawn of everlasting triumph.

Cyprian Norwid
Translated by: Christopher Johnston

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Darlene De Beaulieu September 19, 2017 at 4:36 PM Hello Chris, I am thinking that the diamond will last forever. Have a nice evening my friend. Chris Johnston November 29, 2018 at 10:29 PM thank you for your generous comment! i really appreciate it. very best

Probir Gupta January 4, 2017 at 5:45 AM Very nice expression of the sentiments of the adored Polish poet ... for those of us who understand that diamonds are born under intense pressure and heat on coal, the poem is of endless beauty ... The film with the same name is loved globally ... Chris Johnston January 27, 2017 at 8:10 AM Thank you, sir. Very glad that someone understands this translation so well as well as the work of Wajda:) Respect c