6 Poems Translated
Most of us would think pantuns (Malay poems) are for Primary 3 classrooms and lovers fancy, but Sharon of Bibliobibuli has unearthed poems translated to English by A.W. Hamilton.
I've been a avid follower of Sharon's blog since it's inception, her takes on the local literati scene and book reviews are always a delight to read. In this entry, 6 poems of love are translated by the late AW Hamilton, who I understand as the Commisioner of the Police Force in Kedah back in 1929...
Permata jatuh di dalam rumpuit,
Jatuh di rumput bergilang-gilang.
Kasih umpana embun di hujung rumput,
Datang matahari nescaya hilang.Gems may fall to earth, alas!
Scintillating on the lawn.
Love is dew on blades of grass,
Bound to fade when comes the dawn.
Lost in translation? Or poetry in motion? I think its poetic justice. But read it for yourself...