This week I am posting from Sanur in Bali about a Czech Poet.
I recently discovered the Czech poet, Miroslav Holub (1923-1998). Holub was poet and an immunologist. His poetic work was heavily influenced by his experiences as an Immunologist, writing many poems using his scientific knowledge to create poetic effect. Holub prioritized his profession as a scientist over his writing. His poetry was predominantly unrhymed, making translation easier and more accurate.
Renowned Irish poet, Seamus Heaney described Holub’s writing as 'A laying bare of things, not so much the skull beneath the skin, more the brain beneath the skull; the shape of relationships, politics, history; the rhythms of affections and disaffection; the ebb and flow of faith, hope, violence, art.'
In 1988 English poet and writer, Ted Hughes referred to Holub as, 'One of the half dozen most important poets writing anywhere.'
High praise indeed...
Here for your reading pleasure is one of Miroslav Holub's most popular poems, The Door.
The Door
Go and open the door.
Maybe outside there’s
a tree, or a wood,
a garden,
or a magic city.
Go and open the door.
Maybe a dog’s rummaging.
Maybe you’ll see a face,
or an eye,
or the picture
of a picture.
Go and open the door.
If there’s a fog
it will clear.
Go and open the door.
Even if there’s only
the darkness ticking,
even if there’s only
the hollow wind,
even if
nothing
is there,
go and open the door.
At least
there’ll be
a draught.
Miroslav Holub
It's Poetry Friday! Our host this week is Michelle Kogan . Michelle is sharing a post that deals with people deal with pain and struggle through the arts.
Thanks for this, Alan. I'm not familiar with Holub--I love that ticking darkness and hollow wind...
ReplyDeleteLaura, it was my pleasure to introduce a new poet. Particularly one as good as Miroslav Holub.
DeleteHe's new to me, too, Alan. It seems he is shaking us awake. I love the ending! (I'll note him & look for more!
ReplyDeleteLinda, it pleases me that this introduction has piqued your curiosity to uncover more...
DeleteThank you for sharing the poem above, Alan. I love it as I love the back matter. Have a wonderful holiday season if that is how you celebrate in Australia.
ReplyDeleteCarol, we do celebrate Christmas and aim to be back home for the day with family. Glad you appreciated the poem. I love it too.
DeleteSuch brilliance in Holub's simple, clear words. The insistence to move forward, to seek, the encouragement, as though one can believe if one simply will open a door. I love the last line - that at the very least, opening the door might bring air in. This past year, I inadvertently began using the phrase "...well what else are we going to do?" I almost hear that in his last line. Thank you for sharing this poet.
ReplyDeletePatricia, thank you for your considered comments. They say it is important to close a poem strongly. Holub certainly does that. I can see this poem resonating with young poets when used as a mentor text.
DeleteThank you for introducing us to this Czech poet, but what I really want to know more about is your trip to Bali!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure Mary Lee. I am certain my time in Bali shall reveal itself next week. My notebook has been collecting myriad entries in just a few short days here.
DeleteI love this poem, I often write about windows, and I think doors and windows all fall into the same category as openings. And I too would enjoy hearing about your trip, and poems you're gathering from it, thanks Alan.
ReplyDeleteI like your analogy to openings Michelle.I'm with you on this. Glad you enjoyed the poem. I found it most engaging. Bali time will surely surface next week as words are already gathering in my notebook. Stay tuned...
DeleteI appreciate the introduction to Holub. In this one, I like to encouragement to try, to do, to welcome whatever experience comes — from the existential dread of darkness ticking to the sensory slap of a cold draft. I'll be looking for more of Holub.
ReplyDelete