Monica Wojciechowski
on translating Wisława Szymborska
The title itself is an ironic showcase of Szymborska’s subtle irony and humble disposition. While it’s difficult to replicate the subtleties of Szymborska’s poetry and the nuances of the Polish language that make her work so light, her words always encourage the translator with a forgiveness and levity that only Szymborska can offer.
about the author
Like this poem, Polish poet Wisława Szymborska (1923–2012) is just fine untitled. No one label could fit the unique amalgamation of simplicity, sincerity, and solemnity that seeps through her poems, illustrations, collages, photographs, and anecdotes. Szymborska’s poetry is known for its layers of profundity under a light-hearted, witty surface. She lived in Krakow, Poland, for most of her life and wrote about the Polish countryside and historical events. Her poetry is internationally revered and has been translated into almost every language. In 1996, Szymborska received the Nobel Prize for Literature; her acceptance speech was about the irony in the notion of poetry as a profession.
about the translator
Monica Wojciechowski grew up in Denville, NJ, but considers Poland to be her second home. She spent this past summer traveling through Eastern and Central Europe, and she stayed with family in Poland’s countryside, harvesting fruit, taking long walks, picking mushrooms, and translating poetry. Nothing makes Monica happier than sharing her heritage with others; whether through stories, food, music, or language, she is always grateful for the opportunity to do so. It was not until recently that Monica discovered the captivating world of literary translation, but now that she has, she doesn’t plan on leaving it anytime soon.
photo by Natalia Pleśniak
