Dear Editor,
I have read the exchange of letters between Joseph Bednarik and Marilyn Chin with some sadness. It is a painful thing to have happen at a time when communication around the project of translating from Asian languages needs all the openness and good-hearted exchange it can inspire. Copper Canyon has a rich legacy, and I have faith that proper redress will be made to Chin for what I hope was a moment of glibness that went a little too far.
I find Chin’s translations not only immensely readable but informative as well. Her translator’s note is impassioned and evidence of someone with a string of credentials, for sure, but, more importantly, also a vested interest in the life of poets doing battle with patriarchy.
My hat is off to the editors of Poetry for giving space to such a difficult exchange.
I have read the exchange of letters between Joseph Bednarik and Marilyn Chin with some sadness. It is a painful thing to have happen at a time when communication around the project of translating from Asian languages needs all the openness and good-hearted exchange it can inspire. Copper Canyon has a rich legacy, and I have faith that proper redress will be made to Chin for what I hope was a moment of glibness that went a little too far.
I find Chin’s translations not only immensely readable but informative as well. Her translator’s note is impassioned and evidence of someone with a string of credentials, for sure, but, more importantly, also a vested interest in the life of poets doing battle with patriarchy.
My hat is off to the editors of Poetry for giving space to such a difficult exchange.
Somerville, Massachusetts
Originally Published: October 23, 2008
Poem of the Day: American Income
Letter to the Editor