Sometimes it is extremely difficult to write two versions of the post. In this occasion, the poem used as an excuse to draw an imaginary situation is written in Spanish, so it is nonsense to translate it into English. Then, let?s try to imagine a similar situation but with a poem written in English:

Sitting next to each other, after a moment of silent, which is comfortable because we are good friends, I suggest reciting a poem.

My voice is hoarse and my declamation has not been rehearsed before, however the verses flow and become a melody just because they spring up from my soul.

First I think what poem I am going to chose among those that are my preferred, although to be honest, the list of poems written in English that I know is short.? But as we take over those poems and songs that can express our feelings, it comes to my mind one scene of the film Out of Africa. Yes I know it is sad, but it is touching. I want to read the poem because it will touch your heart.

The time you won your town the race

We chaired you through the market-place;

Man and boy stood cheering by,

And home we brought you shoulder-high.

To-day, the road all runners come,

Shoulder-high we bring you home,

And set you at your threshold down,

Townsman of a stiller town.

Smart lad, to slip betimes away

From fields where glory does not stay,

And early though the laurel grows

It withers quicker than the rose.

Eyes the shady night has shut

Cannot see the record cut,

And silence sounds no worse than cheers

After earth has stopped the ears:

Now you will not swell the rout

Of lads that wore their honors out,

Runners whom renown outran

And the name died before the man.

So set, before the echoes fade,

The fleet foot on the sill of shade,

And hold to the low lintel up

The still-defended challenge-cup.

And round that early-laurelled head

Will flock to gaze the strengthless dead,

And find unwithered on its curls

The garland briefer than a girl’s.

“To An Athlete Dying Young”?is a poem in?A.E. Housman‘s?A Shropshire Lad?(1896).

My English level is not enough to enjoy poetry yet, but I keep on trying.

Do you have any preferred poem to share with me?

 

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