I memorized Ady's poem when I was in fourth grade. Inspired by it, I too, like the foam of the Rill,aimed for the saint big Ocean - for Freedom and Equality I craved as a child.
From the Rill to the Ocean
The rill, a big sleepy, strange ditch In it muddy water, the home of sedge and bulrush But Kraszna, Szamos , Tisza and Duna** Carry its foam to the ocean.
And if the cliff to climb should fall on me If hundreds of curses should grip my blood If thousands moles should dig a dam in front of me I will still reach the ocean.
I want to because it is sad courage I want to because it is the world=s marvel of marvels That someone starts at the rill And reaches the saint, the big Ocean.
* My translation of Ady Endre=s poem titled Az Ertöl az Oceanig
**Four rivers in Hungary
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Reviews of "My English translation of Ady Endre's poem Az Ertol az Oceanig"
Reviewed by Agnes Frank (Reader)
Reviewed on March 14, 2018
Ady, like most Hungarian poetry, is UNTRANSLATABLE. Your attempt to do so is commendable, but the flavor of the original is hopelessly lost in translation.
Very good translation. What an inspiring poem. You may be interested in reading the writings of Mannie Moreno here at AD, and Selene Sky Deme-- she's also native Hungarian with a colorful pen. --Charlie
A great rendition of your favorite poem. I too love the ocean and find it to be peaceful and it takes all my problems away when I view it. Nothing like those waves reaching out to us with peace and triumph. Good write.
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