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The Possible is Monstrous

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"Everything is dragged along and everyone gets caught somewhere in the course of events. We are all collectively guilty...Comedy alone gets at our problems." These words by Friedrich Dürrenmatt (1921 - 1990) explore one of the aspects of where this great Swiss playwright, writer and philosopher found his niche. Though everyone knows Dürrenmatt's most famous work for the theater - THE VISIT - and many are familiar with his other plays and essays, his poetry has eluded the general public until now, when the very gifted Swiss poet Daniel Pantano (THE OLDEST HANDS IN THE WORLD) has published his translations of the poems collectively called THE POSSIBLE IS MONSTROUS.

Everyone who loves fine poetry will want to own this excellent volume. Not only is Dürrenmatt's poetry pertinent and eloquent, but Pantano's translations add a special quality to the poems. It is a match few could equal: not only is it the work of one Swiss translated by a fellow Swiss, but Dürrenmatt seems to have been a significant source of inspiration for Pantano's own fine poetry. Example:
Rules of the Game

In the grimmest of moments
don't ask for the impossible
Play by the rules

Don't judge the judged
You're one of them
Don't interfere, you're
already part of it

Be human, step back
We all get what we deserve
You can't save anybody

There's no injustice
only the terrible

You're what happens
It serves you right

Daniele Pantano grows with each publication of his, and this translation of THE POSSIBLE IS MONSTROUS is superb. Grady Harp, January 11