FROM FROM THE SKY TO THE EARTH

a

summer with its easy wins

summer with its plans

made at the drop of a hat

everyone’s willing

to give in to warmth

the holiday is today

let’s seize it

go through summer’s open doors

and its garden shadows

the first freezing gust of wind

is easily dismissed

summer an abyss of hope

in which year after year

you collapse ever downward

summer the warmest of life’s seasons

z

summer

summer

this fleshy pink conch shell

spiral down its curves

to its innermost part

inward

inward

downward

to the core

where sound is kept

where summer ends

then begins the hard part

and the ascent back

with its climb toward winter

beginning of august

it’s crimson

as crimson as the watermelon

we’re eating by the road

the car doors are open

some sit with their legs hanging out

bent careful

not to stain their clothes

others stand outside

spitting the seeds forward

the road roars past us

the sun scorches with red fire

but we have thrown

a towel over the face of the past

and we’re peacefully eating

the last of the fruit

its sticky red juice drips

and soaks into the ground

village graveyard

the fragrance of bliss all around

lilacs blooming untamed

stifling dizzying

amidst the heavenly hush buzzing

Christ has risen

countless bees wasps

countless dead

he’s risen

the ears are ringing

the pain screaming

the warmth of the air

the warmth of the candles

grandma and grandpa handing me

a tulip and a daffodil

it will pass they say

suffering also passes

Marina Stefanova translates fiction and poetry between English and Bulgarian, as well as from Japanese. She holds an MSc in Asia Pacific Studies from Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University and is yet to complete her Master's in Translation and Editing from Sofia University.

In February 2024, the Elizabeth Kostova Foundation launched an open call for English-speaking translators to join the inaugural edition of the Bulgarian to English Literary Translation Academy. The Academy was designed to connect experienced translators with emerging talents in literary translation, fostering the growth of a new generation skilled in bringing contemporary Bulgarian literature to English-speaking audiences. Over a six-month period, mentors Angela Rodel, Ekaterina Petrova, Izidora Angel, and Traci Speed guided three mentees each, working across genres including fiction, children’s literature, and poetry. By the program’s end, participants had developed substantial translated excerpts to present to publishers, authors, and partners, and to use in applying for translation grants, residencies, and other professional development opportunities. The Academy has also enabled contemporary Bulgarian authors to have significant portions of their work translated, which they can present to literary agents, international publishers, and in applications for global programs. You can find more information about the Academy participants here. The Academy is made possible through the support of the National Culture Fund under the Creation 2023 program and in partnership with Vagabond magazine.