The not-so-subtle –suggestions have been beckoning it for some time. With Wiman’s translation as a guide, this is the beginning of a descent into the “soul-demanding” work of Osip Mandelstam, an early 20th century Russian poet.

“Cathedral, Empty” (1910)

When light, failing,
Falling

Through stained glass,
Liquefies

The long grass
At the feet of Christ,

I crawl diabolical
To the foot of the cross

To sip the infinite
Tenderness

Distilled
From destroyed

Hearts:
An air of thriving

Hopelessness
Like a lone cypress

Holding on
To some airless

Annihilating height.

COMMENTS

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2 responses to “Mondays with Mandelstam: “Cathedral, Empty””

1. Ken says:

   07/15/2013 at 12:54 pm

   this is the beginning

   So you’ll be posting even more? Thank you!

   Reply
   • Todd Brewer says:

     07/15/2013 at 2:55 pm

     Yes, more is definitely coming – same bat time, same bat channel!

     Reply