Day 596 of the daily poems. Our translator-poet Timothy Adès turns to the poetry of George Drosinis (1859-1951), an important figure in modern Greek literature. Drosinis contributed to the development and establishment of modern Greek language, the Demotic. His poem ‘Evensong’ depicts bucolic aspects of The Sacred in tranquil and clear imagery, masterfully presented in Timothy Adès’ translation.
Evensong
by George Drosinis (1859-1951)
translated from Greek by Timothy Adès
Within the ruined chapel’s shade,
spring with his holy brush has made
icons of April’s meadow-flowers.
A laurel rooted in the wall
spreads musky fragrance over all,
for faith has incense-burning powers.
The sun is dipping in the west
and shyly enters to adore:
lights a bright candle, stands before
the altar. Now a swallows’ nest
strikes up, above the clerestory:
Glory to God; in the highest, glory!
George Drosinis
translated by Timothy Adès
published in WW Norton anthology‘Greek Poetry’ 2010