The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily 1403: Echo by Pura López-Colomé, translated by Forrest Gander
Nov 25, 2025
Discover the artistry behind translation as language transforms meaning and sound. Explore the nuances between English and Spanish, shedding light on how they shape poetic experiences. Dive into Pura López-Colomé's evocative poem Echo, brought to life through Forrest Gander's careful translation. Reflect on the echoes of breath, water, and voice that resonate throughout the piece. This journey highlights the beauty and challenge of articulating emotions through the written word.
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Translation Is Inherent To Writing
- Maggie Smith observes that translation is central to all literature, since thought must be rendered into language.
- She highlights an inevitable gap between what we want to express and what words can convey.
Marvelling At Translated Editions
- Maggie shares that her own poems have been translated into many languages she can't read.
- She describes marveling at foreign editions that feel both hers and not hers.
Sound Matters As Much As Meaning
- Maggie explains translating poetry requires attention to sound and rhythm, not just meaning.
- She notes that words carrying identical meaning can alter a poem's feeling because of syllables and sounds.