My translation of "'92 Model" by Rachel Eshed has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize

[davidfcooper]

Here is the poem:


Rachel Eshed


‘92 Model

The truth is I didn’t remember tonight when I called
to say, “How y’doin’,”
if you allow smoking in the car
and if so
what brand of cigarettes you like to smell on me
or perhaps it was cocaine
nor, for that matter,
what booze you drink
bent over your word processor
my aging boy wonder

but there remains in me an aftertaste of fucking
sweet in my mouth full now with grapes
and whiskey when you answer me in a drowsy
voice, satisfied
in new arms
not mine.

You can’t see me
the videophone hasn’t arrived yet
to our sweaty land
so permit me to describe for you
that I’m wearing a garment more modest than my skin
that I opened the door for you
for the first and last time and straight away
I was on all fours
sucking you with such wanton lust
that you were frightened and melted
and within a second drenched me
with a strange mixture of

screaming
bleating
groaning
gurgling
and a kind of
convulsion
of laughter

when the boiling white spunk pervades the same
mysterious, always damp
channels locked to me today even after
all those (who’s counting) that were in me
if we’re to use somewhat less harsh and confident
language
than at the start.

So quickly get your ass over here
you hear?
Start up the stubborn ‘82 model
and come to me
a ‘51 model
and we’ll make
‘92 model love.

--Translated from the Hebrew by David Cooper

Reprinted from Little Promises by Rachel Eshed, Mayapple Press, 2006

Comments

[bethr.livejournal.com]

Let me reiterate how fucking amazing that is. I'm awed and proud.

[shullie.livejournal.com]

I just want to echo that.....'fucking amazing'...

xxx

[davidfcooper.livejournal.com]

Thanks, shullie :)

[bethr.livejournal.com]

oh, I returned the friending favor...you just have to promise to be open-minded about what you see on the inside... ;)

[shullie.livejournal.com]

p.s I hope you don't mind I've added you.... I am expanding my reading.. if that makes sense...

ta

[davidfcooper.livejournal.com]

I thought I already was on your flist; I was under the impression that we've been mutual friends for ages.

[shullie.livejournal.com]

no you.doh!!!... bethr is she doesn't mind
*slaps her forehead*

[davidfcooper.livejournal.com]

Sometimes it's hard to discern who's saying what to whom on these threads. Yes, you and bethr have several interests in common.

[davidfcooper.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much; it's wonderful to hear you say it :)

**takes a bow**

[anaisdjuna.livejournal.com]

That's SO great!!! Truckloads of congratulations!!!! :-)

[davidfcooper.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Shannon. **tips his hat & acknowledges accolades**

[hammercock.livejournal.com]

So exciting! Mazel tov!

[davidfcooper.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Laurie :)

[butterflymama3.livejournal.com]

Congratulations - that is quite an honor. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[davidfcooper.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Ilene :)

[anamacha.livejournal.com]

amazing work. I really like it. I don't know the first thing about Hebrew, but it sounds like you've captured nuances rather well. (the closest I've gotten is an especial love for Yiddish humor.)

What is the Pushcart prize given for?

[davidfcooper.livejournal.com]

Thanks, John :)

The Pushcart Prize (http://www.pushcartprize.com/) is awarded for the best work published by little magazines and small presses each year.