Selected Poems in Translation: Max Jacob's Lyrical Masterpieces

A Journey into the Surrealist's Poetic Realm

Max Jacob, a prominent figure in the Surrealist movement, is renowned for his unique and enigmatic style of poetry. His ability to blend the everyday with the ethereal, the real with the imagined, has earned him a revered place in the literary canon. "Selected Poems in Translation" is an exquisite anthology that showcases the breadth and brilliance of Jacob's poetic artistry.

Time and Memory: A Poetic Tapestry

Throughout his poems, Jacob grapples with the complexities of time and memory. In "The Dice Cup," he muses on the elusive nature of past experiences, questioning whether they truly belong to us or are merely fleeting illusions:

Selected Poems in Translation

by Max Jacob

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5379 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	121 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	92 pages
Item Weight	:	5.3 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.23 x 9 inches

FREE

The past is a dice cup, Whose every throw is a dream. Out of my hand it flies, And is caught by another.

In "The Pen," he explores the interplay between remembrance and forgetting, suggesting that both are essential for navigating the labyrinth of life:

With my pen I write The words that I recall, Forgetting the day That they came to me.

Spirituality and the Ethereal

Jacob's poetry is also imbued with a profound sense of spirituality. He seeks transcendence through the ordinary, finding the divine within the mundane. In "The Miraculous Catch," he depicts the miraculous transformation of a humble fish into a symbol of spiritual enlightenment:

I have come to catch fish, But I have caught the moon, And my boat is filled with light.

In "The Hermit," he explores the solitary path of the mystic, who renounces the world in search of spiritual communion:

I have left the world behind, To live in the forest alone, Where I can hear the voice of God.

Image and Rhythm: A Lyrical Kaleidoscope

Jacob's poetry is characterized by a radiant tapestry of images and a musicality of rhythm. He juxtaposes disparate elements, evoking a sense of the surreal and the extraordinary. In "The Horses," he paints a vivid picture of a celestial equestrian spectacle:

The horses of the wind, They are running across the sky, Their manes are like fire, Their hooves are like thunder.

In "The Musicians," he captures the rhythmic magic of music, using onomatopoeia to create a symphony of sound:

The musicians are playing, Their instruments are sighing, Flutes and violins, Trumpets and drums.

: A Radiant Tribute to Poetic Genius

Max Jacob's "Selected Poems in Translation" is a testament to his exceptional poetic genius. Through his masterful use of language, imagery, and rhythm, he invites us into a surrealist wonderland where time, memory, and spirituality intertwine. This anthology is a radiant tribute to a poet who dared to question the boundaries of reality and explore the depths of human consciousness.

Whether you are a seasoned lover of poetry or a curious newcomer, "Selected Poems in Translation" is an enchanting journey that will ignite your imagination and leave an enduring mark on your soul.

Selected Poems in Translation

by Max Jacob

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5379 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	121 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	92 pages
Item Weight	:	5.3 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.23 x 9 inches

FREE