Magnolia Dawn

As a small country struggling to define itself in relation to a larger neighbour during a period of global tumult, Latvia has more in common with Scotland than one might think. An event at the Scottish Poetry Library on 23 May aims to bring home the parallels between the two countries through their poetry. Latvian and Scotland-based poets (plus a Welsh poet) have been working on translating each other’s work, and on the night – called A Poetry Alliance: When Latvia

Met Scotland – they will share the fruits of their labours. Llyr Gwyn Lew has translated “Magnolia Dawn,” a poem by Latvia’s Henriks Eliass Zēgners.

the streets are almost empty the radio cracks my ears the night is disappearing and morning’s not quite here. I’m burning all my bridges under the cover of night the sun is not yet with us, but your window’s still alight eyes that glimmer quietly your eyes are dark parades with you it’s so much safer with you the danger’s far at last my eyes are closing. your skirts in darkness dance through windows of the morning magnolia dawns

You can find volumes of poetry from around the world at the Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton’s Close, Edinburgh EH8 8DT. For poetry enquiries, e-mail reception@spl.org.uk or visit www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk