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Lost In Translation

LOST IN TRANSLATION


‘May you live in interesting times,’
You might find it strange, could it mean crimes?

Does it make sense, that this is a curse,
How awful, how could it ever be worse!

A Chinese proverb, said with intent
To insult, this type of person is bent,

On causing or bringing you harm,
So never think, oh how sweet, what charm!

hurtcouplet

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Ann Foster

May 28, 2020 at 2:38 PM

This was so cutting... and yet... lovely an perfect... masterfully written. ann

Jennifer Proxenos

May 31, 2020 at 1:47 AM

Thank-you honest, I love your honest - thank you for a wonderful comment, Hugs, Jennifer.

Panagiota Romios

May 22, 2020 at 1:14 PM

Oh, how we forget the great wars and plagues of the past! Humanity will survive. Nonetheless... Jenn, such a clever Poetess you are. Panagiota xxoo

Jennifer Proxenos

May 31, 2020 at 1:48 AM

Hi Panagiota, not any more than you my friend, you write some beauties! Blessings, Jennifer.

Judy Ball

May 20, 2020 at 6:53 PM

Hmmmm Interesting times --- Scary thought when you think back on history. Good write here. God Bless, JB

Jennifer Proxenos

May 31, 2020 at 1:44 AM

Thank-you Judy I always appreciate your wonderful comments. Blessings my friend, Jennifer.

Paul Callus

May 19, 2020 at 12:06 PM

I love the title, Jenny. Life is made up of sweet & sour experiences, depending on how we look upon them. What is good for the goose is not always good for the gander! ~ Warm regards & Hugs // paul

Paghunda Zahid

May 10, 2020 at 11:56 AM

We All are living in such hard times these days... I hope we will find good time soon... Anyway Beautifully written. I am a fan of your words. Regards

Jennifer Proxenos

May 10, 2020 at 1:46 PM

Thank you Pagunda - a lovely compliment - be safe my friend, Blessings, Jennifer.

Joseph May

May 10, 2020 at 11:17 AM

We are in dangerous times, and some might say the response to it might be a crime, best wishes..

Jennifer Proxenos

May 10, 2020 at 1:43 PM

Yes the politics are unraveling with Presidents and Prime Ministers at the forefront. When nearly 300000 people have died globally due to a pandemic which is bringing about a worldwide depression why can't we have leaders we can trust? - Thank goodness President Ramaphosa locked us down in mid March - now in our 2nd phase but a strict one. Crimes does rhyme with times, we will wait and see! Blessings Joseph and thank you for an interesting and apt reply. Blessings, Jennifer.

Michelle Faulkner

May 8, 2020 at 4:43 PM

Hi Jennifer - I can see how that would be a curse - I would prefer 'peaceful' to 'interesting' (given the state of the world right now) very insightful write!

Jennifer Proxenos

May 9, 2020 at 2:42 AM

Yes, I agree, it has even been said between politicians when things don't go their way, very strange given the state of the world at this present moment, even stranger, Love and hugs, Jennifer.

Lindsay Laurie

May 8, 2020 at 1:17 AM

Hello Jennifer … oh yes. I've had some of this thought provoking translation problem with a Solomon Island friend. It must be frustrating for both of us - stay safe Jennifer and thank you - Lindsay

Jennifer Proxenos

May 9, 2020 at 2:36 AM

Really difficult because a person could say something that is not so nice that you take as meaning well, and then vice versa of course. Very frustrating as you mention - oh well 'C'est la vie'! Blessings, Jennifer.

Jack Horne

May 7, 2020 at 2:04 PM

witty & thoughtprovoking, my friend - thanks for the sweet birthday greetings x

Jennifer Proxenos

May 9, 2020 at 2:21 AM

My greatest pleasure - I know lock down can be frustrating but starting to live as exposed as some leaders think we ought to, could be catastrophic for mankind - anyhow hope your day was good one my friend. Blessings and hugs, Jennifer

Sandra Adams

May 6, 2020 at 9:18 PM

we are living in interesting yet scary times... that line grabbed me...who would have thought...a curse to say the least...I have learned never to ask if things could get worse... love your couplets Jennifer, I hope all is well with you... hugs and blessings

Jennifer Proxenos

May 9, 2020 at 1:22 AM

Sandra you are a kind sweet friend and love that we have met on soup. Thank you always for your awesome comments to myself (and I see other comments you have sent to other people) and I am sure they think the same. Be blessed and safe my friend, Hugs, Jennifer.

Anil Deo

May 6, 2020 at 4:42 AM

I was thinking of those origins ... and your poem is holistic. You covered all the important ground - wittily and pithily (that's hard to achieve). Good going my Sister in Jo'burg! Love & blessings, shalom-shalom. anil deo

Jennifer Proxenos

May 9, 2020 at 12:59 AM

I love the way you answer comments Anil, you read them through, and always answer relevantly - be blessed my brother , where do you live on Planet Earth Hugs, Jennifer.

Kai Michael Neumann

May 6, 2020 at 2:48 AM

Buddhism personified, never hurt a sentient being ...

Jennifer Proxenos

May 9, 2020 at 1:18 AM

HI Kai don't know too much about Buddhism but one thing I do know that all the people on earth have one common bonding or denominator, they believe in a Supreme Being. Thank you for your comment, your visit and your support. Blessings, Jennifer.

Gordon Mcconnell

May 5, 2020 at 3:39 PM

Nice penning Jennifer, good write!, hope all well, blessings always, Gordon

Jennifer Proxenos

May 9, 2020 at 2:27 AM

Hi Gordon, how are you and your good wife doing - England is in a sad stat right now and my heart goes out to all the families in GB who have lost a near and dear relative. Thank-you for a lovely comment, Blessings, Jennifer.

Tom Cunningham

May 5, 2020 at 2:05 AM

When I was in Turkey a man we are friends with relys on Google translate on his phone, you wouldn't believe what it comes out with sometimes lol. Tom

Jennifer Proxenos

May 9, 2020 at 1:51 AM

Embarrassing things I'm certain at times, whats said in one language can mean the absolute opposite in another. Blessings my friend, Jennifer.

Harry Horsman

May 5, 2020 at 12:50 AM

Wow as good as any limerick, Jennifer, love the intent, the subject,,,,Harry

Jennifer Proxenos

May 9, 2020 at 1:48 AM

Thank-you Harry , glad you enjoyed it and thank you for all your kind support. Blessings dear friend. For interest's sake, went to Yorkshire on our way to Scotland to visit the Leeds football team shop and bought him shirts and a ball from there - because his grandfather was from Yorkshire, always supported this team and when they came to South Africa, we went to the airport, Ricky was just eight at the time, and spotted Gary Macallister and leaped forward to let me take a photo of him with Ricky . Blessings, Jennifer.

Gershon Wolf

May 4, 2020 at 8:00 PM

After reading your prescient poem, I am hereby canceling my subscription to 'Chinese Fortune Cookies Online!!' Humph. That'll show 'em… lol. Great one, Jennifer. Thanks, Gershon

Gershon Wolf

May 10, 2020 at 1:07 PM

Thank you! l do try my best to keep the comments l'vely! :) gw

Jennifer Proxenos

May 9, 2020 at 1:31 AM

Great comment, clever comment and funny LOL! Your comments always interesting and enjoyable Gershon. Blessings, Jennifer.