yv/poetry/reisen/2

		THE MUSEUM OF FAMILY HISTORY presents its
		YIDDISH VINKL POETRY CORNER

The Translations of Leo Dashefsky

AVRAHAM REISEN

^◘

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.

ON THE NILE

(Oyfn neel)

by Avraham Reisen

Floats the basket on the river,

On the Great Nile.

Floats the basket calmly

Floats the basket meanwhile.

And the waves aren't noisy,

Causing not a stir far and near,

As if they feared

To raise a foam around here.

And the waves are tranquil

Move gently on and still,

As if they were cautious

Not do do the child ill.

For the waves are not

Like Pharaoh bent on evil craves

They will never drown

The Messiah of the slaves.

Floats the basket on the river

On the great Nile,

And the waves carry it

Cautiously meanwhile.