Dorothy Parker – vertaal deur Daniel Hugo
Partial Comfort
Dorothy Parker
Whose love is given over-well
Shall look on Helen’s face in hell,
Whilst they whose love is thin and wise
May view John Knox in paradise.
Waarskuwing
Dorothy Parker
hy wat die liefde bedryf as ‘n spel
sal vir Madonna ontmoet in die hel
maar diegene wat moreel is en wys
sal met Calvyn klets in die paradys.
(Uit: Monnikewerk, Tafelberg, 1995)
*
Sanctuary
Dorothy Parker
My land is bare of chattering folk;
The clouds are low along the ridges,
And sweet’s the air with curly smoke
From all my burning bridges.
Toevlugsoord
Dorothy Parker
Ver van skinder en skarrel
is ek alleen in hierdie land
waar die rook vertroostend dwarrel
van al my brûe wat so brand.
*
Résumé
Dorothy Parker
Razors pain you;
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren’t lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live.
Samevatting
Dorothy Parker
’n Lem brand seer,
riviere is klam,
suur kan jou ontsier
en pille maak lam.
’n Geweer is onwettig
’n strop kan glip en gly,
gas is ver van prettig –
jy kan liewer aan die lewe bly.