To a demon risen from the depths of hell
I would like to compare thee
But no words really lend themselves to tell
What you did and how it affected meHow you left me wounded, scarred and branded
Tell how you stole my energy and life
Though you pass as human undetected
You smothered all my passion, strength and driveYou can live freely and never be condemned
Never have to stand accused of abuse
As many monsters you will be forgotten
Whereas I am seen as weird and twistedAs a perpetrator you will remain unknown
©RedCat
Until the day I as a poet become known
I wrote the first version of this sonnet in Swedish as part of an assignment for one of my creative writing classes about a week ago. Then I decided it was worth trying to translate it. The original has a strict rhyme scheme and lines alternating between hendecasyllable and pentameter. The translation however does not, as I decided the content was more important than the form or rhyming. So there are some rhyming lines and some unrhymed. The lines vary between seven and twelve syllables.
Still I’m happy with finally translating a text from one of my classes and proud of this version and its content. Tonight I will read it on Open Link LIVE – November Edition at dVerse.
Image credits:
First image: Photo by Matthew Ball on Unsplash
Second image: Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash
Third image: Photo by Jr Korpa on Unsplash
The world according to RedCat 
That is quite an amazing opening stanza! Good stuff, and interesting challenge, to translate…
I really like this–and it’s so cool that you can write in both languages. The narrator sounds strong and able to conquer that demon through poetry.
I think there too many throughout history who meet this description:
“You can live freely and never be condemned
Never have to stand accused of abuse”
This is incredibly passionate writing, Helene! I enjoyed hearing you read in two languages tonight :D it’s such a wonderful skill for one to wield and own. Thank you so much for sharing 💝💝
So impressive to contrast the Swedish tighter form version, to the more unfettered English version. Even in English, there is a classic cadence and message. Thank you or sharing in both voices.
I like the strength in this voice. She has not been defeated. (K)
This was a nice sonnet :D . I especially loved the last two lines,well penned!
I thinks this works so well the way you’ve done it! Unfortunately abusers often slip away unseen, unless we call them out!
Your reading of this was very effective.
And though “You smothered all my passion, strength and drive” … the passion in this comes through clearly.
Wow. I bet you aced that creative assignment. This is a memorable sonnet.
I love all the translation going on here, and I loved to hear you read it.