Poem
Lucas Malan
THE STARS FORETELL
When the Zodiac revolves towardsthe sign of the Bull, the nights grow still
and the earth grows cold. The rank wild grape
gradually curls up in her blush of bashfulness,
timidly casting off her ineffectual robes
of leaves. Fruitless was this vine’s year
and piecemeal she is now burning down.
The bulb, the shrub, the tree and flower
have a concern with the position of the sun;
but the smaller one, the silverling
of the night, our frivolous moon – what
ha’penny’s worth can she bring?
Ah, she titivates herself to please
the Bull. At night it’s time for humble
pie, full-rounded, and she goes her way;
as always she behaves respectfully
– as befits a fastidious lady
who knows of greater things; she who chastely
keeps waiting for the coming of the Ram.
© Translation: 2009, Charl J.F. Cilliers
From: First published on Poetry International Web
From: First published on Poetry International Web
DIE STERRE VOORSPEL
DIE STERRE VOORSPEL
Wanneer die Diereriem na die standvan die Bul beweeg, word die nagte stil
en die aarde koud. Die geil wildedruif
het algaande rooi van skaamte opgekrul
en skud nou bedees haar nuttelose drag
blare af. Vrugloos was dié stok se jaar
en sy brand nou so stuk-stuk af.
Die bol, die struik, die boom en blom
het ‘n saak met die stand van die son;
maar die kleiner een, die silwerling
van die nag, ons wufte maan – wat
kan sý met ‘n stuiwer bring?
Ag, sy grimeer maar na gelang van dit
wat die Bul verlang. Saans bak sy mooi
broodjies, volrond, en sy gaan haar gang;
sy doen gewoon en gedra haar fatsoenlik
- soos dit ‘n kieskeurige dame betaam
wat van groter dinge weet; sy wat kuis
bly wag op die koms van die Ram.
© 2008, Lucas Malan
From: Vermaning
Publisher: Protea Boekhuis, Pretoria
From: Vermaning
Publisher: Protea Boekhuis, Pretoria
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THE STARS FORETELL
When the Zodiac revolves towardsthe sign of the Bull, the nights grow still
and the earth grows cold. The rank wild grape
gradually curls up in her blush of bashfulness,
timidly casting off her ineffectual robes
of leaves. Fruitless was this vine’s year
and piecemeal she is now burning down.
The bulb, the shrub, the tree and flower
have a concern with the position of the sun;
but the smaller one, the silverling
of the night, our frivolous moon – what
ha’penny’s worth can she bring?
Ah, she titivates herself to please
the Bull. At night it’s time for humble
pie, full-rounded, and she goes her way;
as always she behaves respectfully
– as befits a fastidious lady
who knows of greater things; she who chastely
keeps waiting for the coming of the Ram.
© 2009, Charl J.F. Cilliers
From: First published on Poetry International Web
From: First published on Poetry International Web
THE STARS FORETELL
When the Zodiac revolves towardsthe sign of the Bull, the nights grow still
and the earth grows cold. The rank wild grape
gradually curls up in her blush of bashfulness,
timidly casting off her ineffectual robes
of leaves. Fruitless was this vine’s year
and piecemeal she is now burning down.
The bulb, the shrub, the tree and flower
have a concern with the position of the sun;
but the smaller one, the silverling
of the night, our frivolous moon – what
ha’penny’s worth can she bring?
Ah, she titivates herself to please
the Bull. At night it’s time for humble
pie, full-rounded, and she goes her way;
as always she behaves respectfully
– as befits a fastidious lady
who knows of greater things; she who chastely
keeps waiting for the coming of the Ram.
© 2009, Charl J.F. Cilliers
From: First published on Poetry International Web
From: First published on Poetry International Web
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