Meaning: This quote reflects the complex and enigmatic relationship between the act of translating literary works and the creation of original poetry. Robert Fitzgerald, a renowned American poet, critic, and translator, grapples with the intricate connection between these two processes. In his statement, he acknowledges the existence of a connection but admits to not fully understanding its nature, encapsulating the elusive and mysterious nature of this relationship.

Translating literary works involves the intricate task of rendering a text from one language into another while preserving its original meaning, style, and nuances. It requires a deep understanding of both the source and target languages, as well as a keen sensitivity to the cultural and historical contexts that inform the original work. Translators must navigate the complexities of language and interpretation, striving to capture the essence of the original piece while adapting it for a new audience.

On the other hand, creating original poetry is a deeply personal and creative endeavor that involves the exploration of emotions, experiences, and ideas through the medium of language. Poets draw from their own wellspring of inspiration to craft verses that convey their unique perspectives and insights. The act of shaping words into evocative and meaningful expressions is a deeply introspective and imaginative process that often defies easy explanation.

Fitzgerald's contemplation of the relationship between translation and poetry speaks to the inherent interconnectedness of these two literary pursuits. While translation involves the careful reworking of existing texts, poetry creation entails the birth of entirely new compositions. Yet, there are underlying threads that bind these processes together, weaving a complex tapestry of linguistic and artistic expression.

One possible aspect of the relationship between translation and poetry lies in the deep engagement with language and its intricacies. Translators and poets alike are attuned to the nuances of words, the cadence of sentences, and the rhythms of speech. In the act of translation, one must grapple with the challenge of finding equivalent expressions in a different language, often leading to a heightened awareness of the subtleties and possibilities inherent in each word. Similarly, poets revel in the manipulation of language, seeking the perfect combination of sounds and meanings to convey their thoughts and emotions.

Furthermore, both translation and poetry creation involve a profound engagement with the cultural and historical contexts that shape language and literature. Translators must navigate the cultural specificities embedded in the original text, delving into the customs, traditions, and references that may be unfamiliar to the target audience. This process of cultural mediation requires a deep understanding of the socio-historical backdrop of the work being translated. Likewise, poets often draw inspiration from their cultural milieu, infusing their verses with references to history, mythology, and societal issues.

Another aspect of the relationship between translation and poetry may lie in the act of interpretation and re-creation. Translators are, in a sense, re-imagining the original work in a new linguistic and cultural context, grappling with the complexities of interpretation and adaptation. Similarly, poets engage in the creative act of reimagining their experiences and emotions through the medium of verse, reshaping raw material into artful expressions. Both processes involve a degree of artistic interpretation and transformation, leading to the emergence of new expressions that echo the essence of the original.

It is also possible that the relationship between translation and poetry stems from the shared quest for universality and resonance. Translators strive to make the original work accessible and meaningful to a new audience, seeking to bridge linguistic and cultural divides. In a similar vein, poets aspire to craft verses that resonate with readers across time and space, tapping into shared human experiences and emotions. Both translation and poetry creation are driven by the aspiration to transcend barriers and connect with others through the power of language and expression.

Despite these potential points of connection, the precise nature of the relationship between translating and making poems remains elusive, as Fitzgerald acknowledges. This enigma speaks to the inherent mystery and complexity of language and artistic creation. The interplay between translation and poetry is a dynamic and multifaceted terrain, encompassing a myriad of influences and intersections that defy easy categorization.

In conclusion, Robert Fitzgerald's contemplation of the relationship between translating and making poems underscores the intricate and enigmatic connection between these two literary pursuits. While translation involves the careful adaptation of existing texts across languages and cultures, poetry creation entails the imaginative crafting of original verses. Yet, underlying these seemingly distinct processes are shared elements of linguistic engagement, cultural mediation, interpretation, and the quest for resonance. The relationship between translation and poetry remains a rich and complex terrain, defying easy explanation and inviting ongoing exploration and contemplation.