The Sonnets and Canzoni of Dante Alighieri

Translation

Featured in New Lyre Summer 2023

Cio che m’incontra ne la mente 

These thoughts lie shattered in my memory: 
When through the past I see your lovely face. 
When you are near me, thus, Love fills all Space, 
And often whispers, “Is death better? Fly!” 
My face reflects my heart's contentious tide, 
Which, ebbing, seeks some shallow resting place; 
Till, in the blushing shame of such disgrace, 
The very earth seems to be shrieking, “Die!” 
’Twould be a grievous sin, if one should not 
Relay some comfort to my harried mind, 
If only with some simple pitying thought 
For this great anguish which fierce scorn has wrought 
Through faltering sights of eyes grown nearly blind, 
Which search for death now, like a blessed thing. 

Loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch 

A ciascun’alma presa, e gentil core