Okay, as much as we love Sándor Petőfi and his National Song, especially on March 15th, trust us, there’s way more to know about Hungarian poetry. So, joining forces with Libri, FUNZINE brings you a series of Hungarian poems, in English of course.
Don’t get lost in iambic pentameters and alliterations, simply enjoy our crash course on Magyar verse.
Endre Ady, influenced by Verlaine and Baudelaire, was the first 20th century poet who broke with Petőfi’s heritage of folksy imitations. Instead, Ady started to form a new, genuine voice in Hungarian poetry, as he was a pioneer and an ardent fan of symbolism. I Guard Your Eyes is a beautiful confession of an old man celebrating the joy of having a loyal companion and a warm home in the midst of all the horrors of the war.
Endre Ady: I Guard Your Eyes
With my old man’s wrinkled hand,
with my old man’s squinting eyes,
let me hold your lovely hand,
let me guard your lovely eyes.
Worlds have tumbled, through their fall
like a wild beast chased by fright
I came, and I on you did call
scared, I wait with you inside.
With my old man’s wrinkled hand,
with my old man’s squinting eyes,
let me hold your lovely hand,
let me guard your lovely eyes.
I do not know why, how long
can I thus remain for you –
but I hold your lovely hand
and I guard your lovely eyes.
(January, 1916)
Translated by Ádám Makkai
www.libri.hu