Light & Dragonflies: Nature Poems/Love Poems - 18. A thousand silver socks

Höschen is up for debate. "A thousand silver panties"; "a thousand silver hose"; "a thousand silver stockings"; "a thousand silver knickers"; "a thousand silver thongs"; "a thousand silver drawers" --

But I believe the intended image is something like a aeronautical windsock -- a lightweight fabric construct to indicate how strong the breeze is blowing, and in which direction.

AND, I feel I must mention, lol, Höschen also carries the meaning of pollen-loads. So perhaps "a thousand silver pollen-loads" is the least controversial rendering; but going this direction shuts out Runge's intended clothing allusion entirely

I like the alliteration of Silver Socks, even if  “silver knickers” is a possibility to make me smile. The poem you bring to us is exquisite in its portrayal of the scene. It’s a wonderful vision for a gloomy January day. 

The phrase "while young hares brush sadness from their bent ears" touched me and reminded me of my days as a preteen, where many rabbits who were technically hares were often visible in our yard and the fields around home.

On 1/4/2024 at 2:02 PM, Parker Owens said:

I like the alliteration of Silver Socks, even if  “silver knickers” is a possibility to make me smile. The poem you bring to us is exquisite in its portrayal of the scene. It’s a wonderful vision for a gloomy January day. 

Thanks for reading, Parker. A week on, and I'm still thinking about Silberhöschen and the best way to "thread the needle" so the simplest, most all-encompassing turn of phrase comes to me. Translating is always chasing the ghost of implications  

On 1/4/2024 at 3:23 PM, ReaderPaul said:

The phrase "while young hares brush sadness from their bent ears" touched me and reminded me of my days as a preteen, where many rabbits who were technically hares were often visible in our yard and the fields around home.

Thanks, ReaderPaul. I have also been thinking about Häschen (young hares). In German culture, the hare stands as the model we often think of as "rabbit" in English. So, for example, they have an Easter Hare instead of our Easter bunny. 

It's possible Runge intends the reader to think of young people (those appealing in sight) with his Häschen. If so -- and if this is meant to dominate the line -- then perhaps translating it as "Bunnies" works better. But, I don't know.... Translation work never really ends