What is it now?

A liberal translation of Catullus LII What's going on, Ed? Why don't you just kill yourself? While some unknown peach goes mouldy on the Capitol, a Russian doll unfolds on Europe. It's later than you think; why don't you just kill yourself? Quid est, Catulle? quid moraris emori?sella in curuli struma Nonius sedet,per consulatum peierat … Continue reading What is it now? →

What pleasing, bitter memories

I found myself among a parent’s ruin.I will proceed after dinner, for the hour is passing,And, let's admit, it might be the last. The only wooden plaque,Amidst a sea of ink, hangsOver a train clock LNER 7989:The written skull upon the wall. And there did I not see Paris tumble in To this red country of … Continue reading What pleasing, bitter memories →

You’ve got to serve a purpose

Barbizon - February, 2007 ‘Il faut bien servir à quelque chose’ said Paul, adjusting to the unknown interior. ‘Mais vous pensez vraiment que Sarkozy va gagner les éléctions?’ Asked the barman, who was drying glasses behind the counter. Paul took a long swig of beer. Suddenly, a small boy came running round the corner of … Continue reading You’ve got to serve a purpose →

49. It takes one to know one

A liberal translation of Catullus XLIV. O most insightful of all Marx’s grandchildren*, from those who are, have been and will be in the years to come, I, the most fragile of poets, give you my most solemn thanks, as much the most fragile of poets, are you are the greatest of hosts. *What exemplifies … Continue reading 49. It takes one to know one →

Proscriptions: How to make a killing and beat your enemies

“And while the people were still in this state of mind, those murders by proscription which Sulla had once indulged in were once more resorted to and the whole city was filled with corpses. Many were killed in their houses, many even in the streets and here and there in the fora and around the … Continue reading Proscriptions: How to make a killing and beat your enemies →