I suppose I have two "projects" at the moment. They're related actually. The first is my quest to read a few poetry anthologies, on lease from my mother, and some books from my father. Reasons? Since finishing high school, I don't want to lose touch with poetry and literature (seeing as no-one is forcing me to read anymore). Also I want to improve my own writing skills. Which links in with the other project, music. Up until now it's all been "instrumental", but I'd like to start adding lyrics (I guess I'm feeling more confident or somesuch). So to be able to pen whatever inspiration might come my way, I figured I'd need the background knowledge. The problem is that also studying at the same time, so I'm not getting much time for my own stuff. Especially now, during exams. Holidays are soon though, so I'm optimistic.
Cool. Which anthologies, if you don't mind me asking? Also, in regard for getting time for your own stuff, is there no way to fit that into your schedule? Sometimes the way to make time is simply to come up with a routine where one works on things for only a few minutes at a time. Boundaries can do wonders for creativity.
Ha, they're not English so I wouldn't expect to have any bells ringing but nonetheless: -N.P. Van Wyk Louw: Die Halwe Kring and Raka -D.J. Opperman: Komas uit 'n bamboesstok and EDMS BPK -Ingrid Jonker: Rook en Oker -Peter Blum: Steenbok tot Poolsee -Two compilations, Modern Flemish Short stories and Poetry of the Netherlands I'm still settling into a schedule, but I also think that I didn't work hard enough (or maybe smart enough) this semester. I'm sure I'll figure something out. Little anecdote, last night I had an idea and I thought it would be good to write it down. In the darkness, however, I ended up scrawling over the formula sheet I'd made for Physics :| oh well
Ah, it always helps to have extra paper around! I did a study abroad in the Netherlands, years back. I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I didn't bother to check out any Dutch poets, or to learn much Dutch. On consulting my memory, the only Dutch vocabulary I have left is words for various food items, "alstublieft," "roken is verboden," and the correct pronunciation of "van Gogh." Are there any Dutch poets with English translations you'd recommend?
Well actually none of those poets are Dutch, they're Afrikaans :) but I can see how that could be confusing. (The compilations are Flemish and Dutch though, it's a bit hard to understand some of the older stuff in there) I'm certain there are some translations but I can't put my finger on one now.
Ah my mistake, I apologize! I understand that Afrikaans is different from Dutch, but not exactly how. I have a few friends from SA who liked Indonesia for ease of travel, because many signs in Indonesia were in both Bahasa Indonesia and Dutch. Edited for clarity
Check it out. Proper Dutch pronunciation is tough for me.