Translator Note
It is as if Maria Doneva’s writing is tangible—as if one can touch, taste, and hear her words come to life. This, plus the fact that she writes in rhymed syllabic verse, made her work a great challenge to translate. The poem I picked is from her 11th poetry collection, Pure Poems (2014). The reasons behind my choice are rather personal and sentimental, but in any case it is very difficult not to love her work. Maria’s poems radiate the warmth one might need on a cold, lonely night. They are the fluffy blanket to snuggle in after a hard day. They are playful, comforting, and friendly. They are full of humaneness.
From Pure Poems, 2014
Weariness well-worthy
your eyelashes caressing.
Sleep is in a hurry.
Are you dreaming? Or just sleeping?
The stars standing sentinel,
their cloaks splashed with ink.
The moon – a quince gentle.
A sorrow with retracted sting.
Among the giant shadows
nests are hiding snuggly.
Uncovered are the windows.
The curtains swinging gently,
the air lightly breezing.
And through your daydream
sleep comes cuddling,
so that you can hug it.
Чисти стихотворения, 2014 г.
Заслужена умора
по клепките те гали.
Сънят ще дойде скоро.
Мечтаеш ли? Заспа ли?
Звездите караулят
с наметки от мастило.
Луна със цвят на дюля.
Тъга с прибрано жило.
Гнезда уютно скрити
сред сенките грамадни.
Прозорците – отвити.
Завесите прохладни
безшумно се полюшват.
И както си мечтаеш,
сънят до теб се гушва,
за да го приласкаеш.
