Tag: Misak Medzarents

Misak Medsarents translations from Armenian to English

“Sleep” by Misak Metsarents

Chris KhatschLeave a comment

Misak Metsarents (1886-1908) was a Western Armenian neo-romantic poet. This is my translation of “Sleep” from Armenian to English. It was written sometime between 1901 and 1903.

Sleep

A cold, quivering Fall
is panting in my soul.
The night falls. The book of life
cries page after page.

Sickly shivers
and feeble murmurs
fade in, fade out
in a feverish requiem.

And — poor snowbound lyre! —
my brave heart goes silent,
and even the saddle horse leaves.
Only the quivering comes to bring

suffering and pain.
My longed for flowers aren’t here.
The fragrance and enthusiasm aren’t here…

“Nameless” by Misak Metsarents

Chris KhatschLeave a comment

Misak Metsarents (1886-1908) was a Western Armenian neo-romantic poet. This is my translation of “Nameless” from Armenian to English.

Nameless

Wild flower, what’s your name?
Tell me! Sitting in the shade of a fence
Made of briars and green leaves,
Wild flower, what’s your name?

White, milky, sappy
Fragrant flower, what’s your name?
Tell me! Don’t you quiver a little
When the sweet breeze blows?

Proud flower! What’s the name
Of the spirit who passed by you,
Leaving behind waves
Of humbleness and black amber?

Do you know, flower, the name
Of the shiver brought by the breeze,
And the name of the voice calling me?