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by iwnit on January 6th, 2009
I don't think that there is a single correct translation. The word "estrellada" conveys those various meanings:
"Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
Write, for example, «The night is shattered,
and the blue stars shiver in the distance»."
http://www.poesia-inter.net/pn24020uk.htm
"Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
Write, for example, «The night is starry
and the stars are blue and shiver in the distance»."
http://www.poesia-inter.net/pn24020uk2.htm
"I can write the saddest lines tonight.
Write for example: «The night is fractured
and they shiver, blue, those stars, in the distance»."
http://www.poesia-inter.net/pn24020uk3.htm
Further information:
http://www.poesia-inter.net/Pablo_Neruda_Poema_20_XX_Puedo_escribir_los_versos_mas_tristes_esta_noche.htm
by Marguerite on December 18th, 2008
I found this translation for you:
Tonight I can write the saddest lines,
Write,for example,'The night is shattered
and the blue stars shiver in the distance.'
The night wind revolves in the sky and sings.
Tonight I can write the saddest lines,
I loved her, and sometimes she loved me, too.
(source:PoemHunter.com) This took me a long time to find! Hope it helps.
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You're reading In Pablo Neruda's Poema XX (from 20 love poems and a song of despair, also known as "Puedo escribir los versos mas tristes..."), what is the correct translation of "estrellada" in the second line? I have heard both "starry" and "shattered/broken."
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Comments
If you read Spanish you will find that the closest translation is the second one, but as language loses alot in translation, translators try to capture the essence of the poem. Good resources, Iwnit!
by Marguerite on January 6th, 2009
Marguerite: thank you for your feedback!
:-)
pn24020uk.htm and pn24020uk2.htm are two different translations by W. S. Merwin, pn24020uk3.htm is a translation by A.S.Kline.
And yes, I can read Spanish (but not as good as French, German and English).
by iwnit on January 6th, 2009