yv/poetry/gebirtig/1

		THE MUSEUM OF FAMILY HISTORY presents its
		YIDDISH VINKL POETRY CORNER

The Translations of Leo Dashefsky

MORDECHAI GEBIRTIG

^◘

You can read English translation of poems written by some of the more popular and well-known Yiddish writers within this exhibition, courtesy of the late Leo Dashefsky z"l who produced each one of the translations that are being made available to you here.

The poems listed are but a small number of the total of poems translated by Leo Dashefsky; perhaps more will be made available for your perusal in the future.

Currently, you may read a short biography of each of the poets, as well as one or more of their translations. The original Yiddish is not included here, though if anyone possesses a copy of a particular poem in Yiddish, it may be sent to the Museum via e-mail so that it may be added alongside the English translation. If you have the original Yiddish-language version, please contact the Museum at postmaster@museumoffamilyhistory.com.

Please read the lovely dedication of Leo's daughter Batya which is being presented to you as a PowerPoint presentation.

MOTELE

(A Fragment)

by Mordechai Gebirtig

What will be the end, Motel? Tell me.

You are now worse than ever, Sonny,

Today complained the Rebbe about you,

You are annoying him exceedingly.

It's not enough you reject the studies,

The Rebbe, poor soul, you enrage,

You fight with every one and play around

And disturb the children of every age.

Not so, Daddy, what the Rebbe says,

An evil man without comparison,

Why doesn't he tell you how he beats us up,

See, Daddy, the blue mark he has done.

I had a quarrel with Avreml

My little Bible he ripped apart

Hence, the Rebbe on his lap

Lashed us with a tune but without a heart.

"It burns" >>