Category Archives: Pre-War
Ultreya: Celtic Boy Scouts
I offended a friend. “The Boy Scouts? That’s the Hitler Youth with ginger beer, isn’t it?” I said. “I love the Scouts,” he replied. “Choose your weapon!” I backed off quickly because, if he had been a scout, he could … Continue reading
Machado
An afternoon in spring Murmured these words to me: If you are seeking paths With flowers in this world Then put to death your words And let your old soul speak. Let the same white linen That you are wearing … Continue reading
Noriega Varela- the Angelic Wolf
Noriega Varela This is an article translated from the book Galicia Emigrante 1954-1971 a collection of the radio broadcasts of Luis Seoane (Ediciós do Castro: A Coruña, 1994). Angelic Wolf is the name the great poet of Portugal, Teixeira de Pascoes, gave … Continue reading
Castelao- Cousas
Next to Nature It is the very moment when the earth rolls away from the light to go to sleep and a thick, milky mist rises from the roofs and starts to spread through the bottom of the valley. There … Continue reading
Ramon Cabanillas- Starry Night
Ramón Cabanillas comes from Na Noite Estrelecida, published in 1926. It gives a Galician connection to Arthurian legends. In this fragment of O Cabaleiro do Sant Grial we find Galahad at the mountain pass of O Cebreiro, on the border … Continue reading
Memories- Noriega Varela
Oh divine Yearning! I will show you Companions, if it is true you really want them. They are like roses cut from rosebushes, Little stars dropped from heaven. They are the memories of pretty shepherdesses, Of fascinating magical creatures, Who … Continue reading
My Little Girl- Noriega Varela
My girl you are startling yourself Listening to the savage screams Of arrogant sea-gulls. Muse, cast out on the coast, Look towards the blue mountains From your exile on the beach. Forget the sea, remember The humble cow and good … Continue reading
The Song the Virgin Sings- Noriega Varela
The song the Virgin sings Near the rosemary fountain, The song the Virgin sings I shall also sing. The song the Virgin sings When she lulls her little child: “My caravel, my rose, My little bird’s kiss!”
Our Speech- Noriega Varela
The mountain man is coming now. Why? Oh beloved! He is blind- The one who can’t see past the veil: He is coming to speak Gallego He is coming so that Gallego can live. Our language is a little bird … Continue reading
Noriega Varela- A Worm Goes By
Don’t step on me, walker! Insignificant pauper, I’ve a saint’s advocacy Who calls to the wandering wolf, My brother, who stands in for All the Lord’s delicacy. This short poem rests on the slight dissonance of that ‘delicacy’ at … Continue reading
