If love didn’t exist
He described his poems as being very small. Years after his death (2000) he still is a very popular poet in The Netherlands. This is the translation of the poem...
Farewell
Unlike many other Dutch poets, there is no online information available in English about the poet Adriaan Morriën. Together with the translation of his poem “Afscheid” (“Farewell”), it’s time to tell more about this poet.
For tomorrow
“Voor de dag van morgen” is one of the many poems written by the Dutch poet Hans Andreus. This poem translates as “For tomorrow.” This poem is perfection in its simplicity!
Her life is a mystery, but her poems are not
Although there is little information about the life of Sappho, we still can read her poems. These poems are translated. The poem in this article, “A girl” was translated by Dante Gabriel Rossetti. It’s safe to conclude that her life is a mystery, but her poems are not.
Bombs
The Dutch poet Paul Rodenko was an important Dutch poet, writer and more. The inspiration for many of his poems – just like the translated poem “Bommen” (“Bombs”) – came...
You see, I love you
Herman Gorter (1864 – 1927) is one of the most important Dutch poets of the nineteenth century. This is the translation of the poem “Zie je ik hou van je” (“You see, I love you”).
She also wrote poetry herself
Sometimes the one who inspires you can do the same as you do. In this case, Honoré de Balzac’s inspiration was also active as a poet himself. Marceline Desbordes-Valmore was a creditable poet who left the world many beautiful (French) poems. She also wrote poetry herself, something that must not be forgotten.
About nightmares
Nightmares and poetry. They are a good combination. What better way to write about your fears in a nightmare scenario? Many poets have shared their deepest fears, their nightmares in...
Mont Ventoux
From time to time, The Ministry of Poetic Affairs translates some Dutch poems into English and analyses these poems. This isn’t any different with the poem by Jan Kal (born 1946) entitled “Mont Ventoux.” This mountain is related to a sporting event that is known all over the world.
First they came for the Jews
When no one else can be prosecuted, who is left? Why didn’t he speak out before? Eventually, he did and he wrote a poem about it. This is “First they came for the Jews” by Martin Niemöller. There is a side note to this poem though.
Your lips, that I have kissed
This poem is inspired by horrific events. The poem that the Dutch historian, professor, writer and poet wrote in March 1943 was inspired by the arrest of his wife by the Germans. His wife would not live to see the and of the war. She died in the Sobibor death camp.
Lorelei
Many poets wrote about geographic locations. Christian Johann Heinrich Heine is no exception. He wrote a poem about rock Lorelei in Germany. His poem, “Lorelei” is all about this famous geographic location.
Translations of Paul van Ostaijen’s work
As not everyone in this world can understand the Dutch language, it was a good idea to translate some of the work written by the Belgian poet Paul van Ostaijen. This makes the work of this abstract poet more accessible.
Dream
Translating the words of the Dutch poetess M. Vasalis is not the easiest task there is. But, sometimes the hardest challenges can be rewarding in the end. Here is the...
The song of the morning light (AANPASSEN)
It’s time for another translation of a Dutch poem. This time the translation of the poem Het lied van het morgenlicht is turned into The song of the morning light....
On the longing of the wind
Is the poem written by Floris Brown a love poem or is it about music? You decide what to do with the poem “On the longing of the wind.”
Homeless
The Dutch poet Jan Jacob Slauerhoff (published his work as J. Slauerhoff) died a long time ago. His legacy still is very important to the Dutch language when it comes...
