041/365 成為那更深愛的一方

Figuring

關於Brain Picking 的一點介紹。

今早郵件裡跳出一封Brian Picking的信，標題是：

"If equal affection cannot be, let the more loving one be me."

'如果無法有對等的愛戀，且讓我成為那更深愛的一方。“

意外發現了英國詩人奧登的一首詩，全文是：

How should we like it were stars to burn

With a passion for us we could not return?

If equal affection cannot be,

Let the more loving one be me.

.

寫詩已經不易，要翻譯解讀更是難上難，

其中的抽象與詩韻，有太多想像空間，

不過，也正是在那精準與滿頭霧水之間，

不同的人有不同的詮釋，

也有著無限遐想與妙思，

又未嘗不可？

.

The More Loving One  by W. H. Auden 

Looking up at the stars, I know quite well

That, for all they care, I can go to hell,

But on earth indifference is the least

We have to dread from man or beast.

How should we like it were stars to burn

With a passion for us we could not return?

If equal affection cannot be,

Let the more loving one be me.

Admirer as I think I am

Of stars that do not give a damn,

I cannot, now I see them, say

I missed one terribly all day.

Were all stars to disappear or die,

I should learn to look at an empty sky

And feel its total dark sublime,

Though this might take me a little time.

( September, 1957 ) 

Joan Armatrading - Love And Affection 1976