Poem of the Week, week 44: Hans Børli

LOVE POEM AFTER NIGHTS OF FROST This slight commotion in rime-coated forests: The head of a deer mirrored in the spring in the matt pewter-light of dusk. But winter has already locked tight. A shadow of life darkens for an instant the reflection of frost-stars in the night-ice. Then the deer lifts its head and listens, scents out running water ... Translated by John Irons

KJÆRLIGHETSDIKT ETTER FROSTNETTENE Denne lille uro i rimhvite skoger: Et rådyrhode speilt i ila i demringens matte tinn-lys. Men vinteren har allerede låst. En skygge av liv formørker et øyeblikk speilbildet av froststjerner i nattisen. Så løfter dyret hodet og lytter, værer etter rennende vatn ...

From Hans Børli (1918–1989), Som rop ved elver, H. Aschehoug & Co. (W. Nygaard), Oslo 1969.

Poem of the Week. 52 poems through the year

From the time when the earliest texts were recorded in runic inscriptions, poetry has had a strong position in Norway. By introducing a new poem each week throughout 2019, we aim to highlight the quality and breadth of Norwegian poetry. «Poem of the Week» presents 52 poems, inspired by the changing seasons and the passing of the year. The selection has been made by Annette Vonberg and Tone Carlsen, and consists of poems from the earliest handwritten manuscripts up until today, with a special emphasis on contemporary poetry.

Poem of the Week, week 44: Hans Børli "Love Poem After Nights of Frost"

Take part in a weekly journey through 52 poems by authors from Norway throughout 2019 – Norway’s year as Guest of Honour.

Poem of the Week. 52 poems through the year