Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The national poet of Finland



Statue of Johan Ludvig Runeberg, Pietarsaari, Finland


Who has given the wind wisdom,
Lent the air a tongue so lightsome,
Ready speech to the yard's rowan,
An the small birds' tender bevy?
(from All Seemed to Be Speaking, Speaking, transl. By C.E. Tallqvist)

2 comments:

  1. I must admit that this is the first verse that I've been exposed to from Finland.... more's the pity, it's beautiful. I am familiar with some classical music from Finnish composers that has enriched my life.

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  2. Who Indeed? A lovely tribute to the beauty of nature. Thank you for this translation.

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