My translation of "A Time to Talk" (Robert Frost)

Today, out of the blue, I decided to translate Robert Frost's short poem, "A Time to Talk," into Swahili. From time to time, I translate folklore and poetry, undeterred by the perils and uncertainties of the process. I work with three languages: Matengo, Swahili, and English. My most ambitious work of translation so far is Matengo Folktales.

I encountered Frost for the first time when I was a high school student in Tanzania, 1971-72. We read Frost's famous poem, "The Road Not Taken." It was only three years ago, however, that I first read "A Time to Talk," when my daughter Zawadi bought me an anthology of Frost's poems, Robert Frost: Selected Poems. I was then in hospital in Minneapolis, and my daughter, knowing that I am a bookworm, thought a book of poems would lighten my days.

As soon as I got the book, I started reading it. Among the poems that struck me the most was "A Time to Talk." I marveled at how Frost evokes rural life and realities and expresses his sentiments about alienation and the erosion of human values.
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A TIME TO TALK (Robert Frost, 1874-1963)

When a friend calls to me from the road
And slows his horse to a meaning walk,
I don't stand still and look around
On all the hills I haven't hoed,
And shout from where I am, What is it?
No, not as there is a time to talk.
I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,
Blade-end up and five feet tall,
And plod: I go up to the stone wall
For a friendly visit.

MUDA WA MAONGEZI

Rafiki anaponiita kutoka barabarani
Huku akipunguza kwa makusudi mwendo wa farasi wake,
Sisimami tu na kuangalia huko na huko
Kubaini idadi ya vilima ambavyo bado sijalima,
Na kisha kupaaza sauti pale nilipo, Vipi?
Hapana, hapana kwani kuna muda wa kuongea.
Nasimika jembe langu katika ardhi tepetepe,
Ubapa wa jembe ukiwa juu futi tano toka ardhini,
Na ninatembea: ninaelekea kwenye ukuta wa mawe
Kukutana na rafiki.

Writer Jim Heynen at St. Olaf College

Today, writer Jim Heynen visited St. Olaf College for a reading and book signing. He read some of his short stories and excerpts from his latest novel, The Fall of Alice K.

I was priviledged to coordinate Jim's visit and to introduce him to the audience. Jim had taught in the English Department at St. Olaf College, from 1992-2007. He was a great colleague. I told him then that I greatly admired his stories of farm boys, since I also grew up in a rural area, steeped in farming.


Jim is a prolific writer. Starting with collections of short stories such as The One-Room Schoolhouse, and the The Man Who Kept Cigars in His Cap, he went on to write novels for young adults, including Cosmos Coyote and Being Youngest. He also writes poetry.

Jim's reading today was delightful. Everyone liked his stories very much. After the reading, Jim signed copies of his book, as can be seen in the photos featured here.

Jim's visit was sponsored by the St. Olaf College Bookstore and the English Department. Here on the left is Jim, flanked by Ruth Block of the St. Olaf College Bookstore and me.