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The Seeking Ship

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A solitary sail of contrasting White in a salty sea of blue. From its own land, to disconnect, Why seek a land that's new? In a friendly sea where the mast bends From soothing winds it takes heart. However; it seeks not happiness Nor from happiness does it depart. The sea glistens much brighter Than the warm sun filled sky, Yet rebellious, it seeks a storm, As if to find peace within its eye. Translation by Connie Marcum Wong Note: A melancholic soul often feels more at home surrounded by chaos when one has been raised in constant chaos on the edge. ************************************** Original poem The Sail By Mikhail Lermontov This site would not print in Russian text. ?????? ????? ???????? ? ?????? ???? ???????. — ???´ ???? ?? ? ?????? ???????? ???´ ????? ?? ? ???? ??????? ?????? ?????, ????? ??????, ? ????? ?????? ? ???????; ???! — ?? ??????? ?? ???? ? ?? ?? ??????? ?????! — ??? ??? ????? ??????? ??????, ??? ??? ??? ?????? ???????: — ? ??, ????????, ?????? ????, ??? ????? ? ????? ???? ?????! Literal translation A lonely sail shows white / against the sea's blue mist. / What does it seek in a distant region? / What has it abandoned in its own land? The waves play, the wind whistles, / and the mast bends and screeches… / Alas, it does not seek happiness / and is not running away from happiness. Beneath it the current is brighter than the azure, / above it is the sun's golden ray… / But it, rebellious, asks for a storm, / as if there were peace in storms. (Literal tr. Donald Rayfield, with Jeremy Hicks, Olga Makarova and Anna Pilkington)

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Joe Maverick

Date: 9/22/2015 1:43:00 AM

Very insightful and true sentiments I feel in this Connie..'

James Fraser

Date: 5/29/2015 2:12:00 PM

Such a beautiful short piece Connie, and the image you've used is breathtaking, James :)

Monterey Sirak

Date: 4/4/2015 2:09:00 PM

Wow! This is amazing! Especially the last stanza. Such insight here. How often do many of us churn the waters just so we can really feel the peace in the calm?

Maurice Yvonne

Date: 4/3/2015 9:54:00 AM

Amazing how you stayed true to the poet to put into English not his Russian words but the magic of his intent. A Fav!

Constance La France

Date: 3/31/2015 1:23:00 PM

Connie, I love the message within your words and lines, A7, and thanks for visiting my poem, thinking in. . .

Emile Pinet

Date: 3/30/2015 3:09:00 PM

You describe an emotional state and graphically make us feel it's effects. Emile.

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 3/30/2015 5:11:00 PM

That is what I was striving for Emile. Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I appreciate your feedback. Hugs, Connie

Robert Lindley

Date: 3/29/2015 11:09:00 AM

YOUR TRANSLATION IS GREAT. A7 and the poem is a gem...

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 3/30/2015 5:09:00 PM

Thank you very much Robert. I am happy you enjoyed my translation. This is the first time I have written a translation, and it does take some time and thought. Blessings, Connie

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 3/24/2015 3:28:00 PM

- Really great that you translated ..... hard to understand Russian text - A wonderful poem, Connie - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 3/25/2015 2:20:00 AM

Thank you A-L. The poem is a favorite Russian poem I have read and many have translated it into English and other languages, so I thought I would have a go at it. It was based on what the writer was going though at a certain period in his life. Very intriguing. I appreciate your nice comment. Hugs, Connie

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/24/2015 2:06:00 PM

You did a really good job in your translating , connie. BEAUTIFULLY done.

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 3/25/2015 2:22:00 AM

Thank you Andrea. I wish I could post more often, but I need to be inspired to write and then I usually don't have time with my little Granddaughter here most of the time. Hugs, Connie

Paul Callus

Date: 3/24/2015 2:02:00 PM

You have done a great job here, Connie! Just beautiful! Also want to comment on the awesome picture...very fitting! Hugs // paul

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 3/25/2015 2:17:00 AM

Thank you Paul. I really had to search to find a ship on a sea which was brighter than the sun. I was so happy to find this photo on the web. I appreciate your encouragement Paul. Hugs, Connie

Len Gasun

Date: 3/24/2015 10:43:00 AM

Wow! This is so beautiful my very dear friend, Connie. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you so much. More blessings! love lots and biggest hugs, Leonora

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 3/25/2015 2:23:00 AM

I appreciate you stopping by with this lovely comment Leonora. Thank you so much. I hope you are well. Blessings, Connie

M. L. Kiser

Date: 3/24/2015 8:27:00 AM

You have painted quite a piece with these words. I do love it when a poem is well written enough to present me with a visual. Well done.

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 3/25/2015 2:24:00 AM

Why thank you very much M.L. I appreciate your comment. I am a fan of your poetry. Hugs, Connie

Deborah Turner

Date: 3/24/2015 6:21:00 AM

Love, your poem Connie. #7

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 3/25/2015 2:27:00 AM

Thank you very much Deborah. I appreciate you stopping by to comment and for the #7. Blessings, Connie

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 3/24/2015 12:05:00 AM

gosh this is so cool. I was thinking you wrote it, connie!! Then realized you translated it. good for you!!

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 3/24/2015 1:09:00 AM

It is my version of what I think his poem means Andrea. It is not an exact translation as I certainly don't speak Russian. LOL. So I did write it in my own words, but I changed everything to suit myself. Thanks Andrea. hugs, Connie

Shadow Hamilton

Date: 3/23/2015 6:05:00 PM

fantastic pen Connie you bring it to life hugs 7

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 3/25/2015 2:28:00 AM

I am happy you think so Shadow. Thanks so much for your comment and for the 7. Hugs, Connie

Elaine George

Date: 3/23/2015 4:36:00 PM

I like your version better, Connie. The mysterious sea and its many moods. it is very much a part of me. bfn Your freind, Elaine

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 3/25/2015 2:30:00 AM

Your comment made my day Elaine. Thanks so much for such a wonderful compliment! Hugs, Connie

John Fleming

Date: 3/23/2015 2:41:00 PM

This remarkable little poem truly is deserving of great merit - absolutely lovely! Beautifully done, Connie! My very best regards!! :) john. P.s A seven for both of you!

Connie Marcum Wong
Date: 3/25/2015 2:33:00 AM

John, I understand that this Russian poem is very popular and the author was going through some challenges when he wrote it. I believe it has been translated by many into many different languages. I found the poem enchanting and I had to try my hand at it. Thank you very much for your lovely comment and the 7. Blessings, Connie