My exhibit features interesting poems from authors around the world. While most of the items shown here are translated into English, some works are displayed in their original language. These poems were chosen to highlight a multitude of different themes and writing styles.
Sappho. The songs of Sappho in English translation by many poets.
Born in Lesbos, Sappho is mainly known for her poetry which focused heavily on the themes of love and other emotions. The interesting thing about this book is that it shows the differences between various poets’ English translations of Sappho’s works. Take for instance the poem The Moon Has Set on page 77. This particular poem deals with the theme of loneliness, among others, and has numerous varied translations.
Pushkin, Alexander Sergeyevich. Stikhotvorenīi︠a︡. Стихотворенія.
Alexander Pushkin was a Russian poet and writer often considered to be among the best, if not the best, of Russian poets. The poem shown on the open page seems to have themes focused on the self, and in particular, putting aside what others think of you to believe in yourself.
Heras, Patricia. Poemas.
This book contains poems extracted from the work Poeta Muerta by Patricia Heras. Poeta Muerta, and by extension this book Poemas, is a collection of Patricia Heras’ works, often delving into profound themes. This book is part of the larger cartonera collection at Special Collections and is covered by decorated cardboard.
Hughes, Langston. Selected poems of Langston Hughes.
Langston Hughes was influential both in the Harlem Renaissance and within American literature (especially poetry). Many consider him to be the founder of jazz poetry, which follows jazz rhythm. Hughes’ poems often illustrated the lives of the black working class in America.
Dickinson, Emily. The complete poems of Emily Dickinson.
Dickinson, born in Amherst, Massachusetts, is one of the most prolific poets in the history of the United States. Her poems are known for their originality and experimentation. Poem 254 on page 116 is one of Dickinson’s more famous poems on the topic of hope.
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von. Goethe poems…
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is one of the most well-known and influential poets of Germany. His verse is known for its simplicity and his works often touched on the themes of nature, experience, and humanity. The poem shown is one of Goethe’s works “To the Moon”, which can be interpreted to exhibit themes of loss and loneliness.
Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī, Maulana. What can I do – friends?
Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī was a famous Sufi poet who wrote primarily in Persian. Rumi’s works focus on themes of spirituality and love, among others. The poem shown here is a short poem that touches on purpose and being.
Translated by Cid Corman, [Green River] Vt., Longhouse, 2007.
Li Bai. Poems.
Li Bai, also known as Li T’ai Po, was a poet who lived during the Tang Dynasty and was considered to be among the greatest poets in Chinese history. His poems often dive into the themes of friendship, nature, and solitude. The poem “Lament of the Frontier Guard”, shown here, is one of his works that delve into the theme of war.
