I have never yet written
I’ve only scribbled this or that nor was it ever true
I now can write and can see, what it is.
True.
Such truth as is reality itself, like that which is not like itself
A mathematical dream:
An absolute good. On the cube.
Now I will write no more, I’ll merely jeer.
Jeer even Anatole France himself and I surely can write yet surely more can cry and even more can endure... if someone requires it of me.
It bothers me greatly that there is no reasoner... measurer.
Since I cannot write poetry
I’m trying it more often. Perhaps then it will be beautiful
The way kitsch was, like an alien continent,
Where never before have I walked and yet
Have led there among great dangers... others
And could do it bravely.
And on a little branch I walked there myself.
I’ve just seen it. It was not a joy ride, just
what was shown to me by those fevered, willing friends
Since then I’ve feared having a passion.
Like cocaine. Like this familiar moment (?)...
Hypnotized. Useful. Custom-made.
Note About Contributor(s)
Rejtő Jenő
Rejtő Jenő was best known as a journalist and author of adventure pulp fiction novels in his home country of Hungary. In 1924, he was awarded a degree from a well-known Hungarian drama school. He then went on to travel extensively throughout Europe for his journalistic endeavors. Eventually, he collected several ideas from his travels that would form the basis for his adventure novel plots. The vast majority of Hungarians will admit to writing poetry. It is not surprising, therefore, that Rejtő was also a poet. His works have never before been translated into English. His poems offer readers a glimpse into the Hungarian literary scene of the first half of the 20th century – a time when Hungarian writing was increasingly influenced by the philosophy and literature of France (a country Rejtő visited on many occasions). Rejtő died during the Second World War while working as a forced laborer in Evdakovo, Voronezh Oblast in the Soviet Union, far from his beloved hometown of Budapest. His novels continue to be popular in Hungary today, and several of them have been adapted into comic books, which are considered classic works of art in Hungary. Rejtő has a street named after him in Hungary and has been the subject of a variety of museum exhibits during recent years.
Zachery Anderson
Zachery Anderson spent eleven years living in Hungary as a child. His parents moved to Hungary to work in 1978 and remained in the country until just before the political revolution of 1989. This gave Zachery a unique opportunity to learn the Hungarian language (one of the most difficult languages in the world) and to study in the Hungary public school system during the transition period from socialism to democracy. Zachery graduated with a degree in English and theatre from the University of Minnesota. He and his wife returned to Hungary to work for a number of years and have also worked in China and Cambodia as teachers. They currently live and work in rural Minnesota where Zach attempts to hone his skills as a translator and writer.
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