Rhythms and sounds are often the first thing I hear and want in a poem, so I can't imagine trying to translate something without at least being able to hear what it sounds like.
Joan LarkinI'm much more capable of cutting back than of expanding. I've gotten very surgical about poems.
Joan LarkinPeople need what they think of as a poem to be read at their bar mitzvah, their wedding, a funeral, whatever. And people are looking for hope and inspiration. I understand that.
Joan Larkin