George Bacovia–High School

I’ve recently been exposed to a blast from the past–a bunch of high school classmates got back together in Bucharest and have started a group email correspondence. I ended up on the email list and the nostalgia was almost unbearable.

Romanian high schools are…different than American ones, that’s for sure. However, it’s universally agreed that high school is one of the most intensely awkward and quasi-painful times for us literary types. I’m not sure I completely share Bacovia’s worldview in the poem below, but I do sympathize.

Again, the melodic, hypnotic rhythms are an integral part of the tragic undertones of the poem. Because the lines are so short and simple, this was, needless to say, extremely difficult to translate in a faithful manner. I had to add the "a sham" part in the refrain, because of the disparity of syllables in the translation of "tineretii" (youth): 4 to 1! Plus, it rhymes with "exam" and it sort of fits with the general feeling of doom and gloom.

 

 

Liceu by George Bacovia Liceu, – cimitir Al tineretii mele – Pedanti profesori Si examene grele… Si azi ma-nfiori Liceu, – cimitir Al tineretii mele! – Liceu, – cimitir Cu lungi coridoare – Azi nu mai sunt eu Si mintea ma doare… Nimic nu mai vreau – Liceu, – cimitir Cu lungi coridoare… – Liceu, – cimitir Al tineretii mele – In lume m-ai dat In valtorile grele, Atat de blazat… Liceu, – cimitir Al tineretii mele!

High School by George Bacovia High school, a graveyard Of my youth—a sham! Pedantic teachers And hardcore exams… You still make shiver High school, a graveyard Of my youth, a sham! High school, a graveyard With endless aisles I’m not me today, And my brain cries— Don’t care either way— High school, a graveyard With endless aisles High school, a graveyard Of my youth—a sham! You spit me out Not giving a damn, Blasé and burnt-out. High school, a graveyard Of my youth—a sham!

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