Once upon a time, there was an ancient fountain,
So ancient that only a few old people
Knew its true story.
A realistic and fairy-tale-like story
That is our true life.
I approach barefoot through the tall grass
To that ancient fountain stone
Where buttercups and poppies grow.
I wear a white gauze dress,
Long black hair,
And I am my father's daughter.
I am my father's daughter
With long black hair,
And I am your future wife.
The wife who has kept her bare feet
On that ancient stone where in May,
Poppies, buttercups, and a viper emerge.
(Salerno, May 1st, 2022)
Commentary in English
The poem "May 1st" depicts a scene centered around an ancient fountain, presenting a blend of realism and fairy-tale-like elements. The speaker's narrative voice invites us into a world that holds both a historical significance and a personal connection. The poem conveys a sense of nostalgia and generational continuity, alluding to themes of family, identity, and the cyclical nature of life.
The opening lines introduce the focal point of the poem—a fountain with a rich history that only a select few elderly individuals are familiar with. The fountain's ancient nature adds an air of mystery and intrigue, suggesting a link to the past. It serves as a symbol of time's passage, embodying the collective memory and stories that have been passed down through generations.
The poet describes the story associated with the fountain as both realistic and reminiscent of a fairy tale. This juxtaposition hints at the idea that our own lives, like fairy tales, contain elements of wonder, magic, and inherent meaning. It suggests that there is something enchanting and extraordinary hidden within the ordinary fabric of existence.
The speaker then moves closer to the fountain, traversing the tall grass with bare feet. This act of removing one's shoes signifies a willingness to embrace the natural world, to connect intimately with the environment. The imagery of the tall grass and the emergence of wildflowers like buttercups and poppies evokes a sense of vibrant life and renewal. The juxtaposition of the speaker's delicate white gauze dress against the natural landscape highlights the contrast between human creations and the untouched beauty of nature.
The repetition of the line "I am my father's daughter" emphasizes the speaker's lineage and heritage. This phrase suggests a connection to family, reinforcing the idea of generational continuity. It implies that the speaker carries forward the legacy and values of their father, embodying the essence of their ancestry. Additionally, the mention of long black hair adds a personal detail, possibly symbolizing a physical trait shared with the father or representing a common link between generations.
The poem concludes with the speaker addressing an unidentified individual, potentially a future partner or spouse. The reference to being a "future wife" implies the continuation of the speaker's journey into the next stage of life and the prospect of creating a new family unit. The choice to keep her bare feet on the ancient stone signifies a commitment to staying grounded in tradition and embracing the heritage that the speaker embodies.
The final image of poppies, buttercups, and a viper emerging in May evokes a sense of the cycle of life. May, often associated with spring and rebirth, becomes the setting for the simultaneous emergence of beauty and danger. The presence of the viper introduces an element of unpredictability and reminds us of the coexistence of life's joys and challenges.
Overall, "May 1st" captures a moment of introspection and connection with ancestral roots. The poem explores themes of family, identity, the passage of time, and the interplay between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Through vivid imagery and carefully chosen words, the poet offers a poignant reflection on the significance of heritage and the continuity of life.
Commento in italiano
La poesia “1 maggio” è stata scritta da Erminia Passannanti una poetessa, saggista e traduttrice italiana, considerata una delle voci più originali della poesia del Novecento. La poesia di recente pubblicazione su apparsa su FaceBook nel 2022.
Lo stile di questa poesia è caratterizzato da una scrittura essenziale e suggestiva, che mescola elementi realistici e fiabeschi. La poetessa usa un linguaggio semplice e diretto, ma ricco di immagini e simboli.
Il tema è l’amore, inteso come destino e come memoria. La poetessa si identifica con una giovane donna che si reca alla fontana antica il primo maggio, giorno della Festa dei Lavoratori e della primavera. La fontana è il luogo dove si è incontrata con il suo amato, che ora è lontano o forse morto. La fontana è anche il simbolo della vita che scorre e del tempo che passa.
La poetessa ripete due volte la frase “sono la figlia di mio padre”, per sottolineare il legame con le sue origini e con la sua identità. La donna ha lunghi capelli neri e indossa un abito di garza bianco, simbolo di purezza e di innocenza. La donna è anche la futura moglie dell’amato, a cui si sente legata da un patto d’amore.
La fontana antica è il luogo dove crescono fiori selvatici, come ranuncoli e papaveri. I ranuncoli sono fiori gialli che simboleggiano la gelosia e l’infedeltà. I papaveri sono fiori rossi che simboleggiano la passione e il sacrificio. Tra i fiori si nasconde anche una vipera, simbolo del male e del pericolo.
Il poema si conclude con una data: Salerno, 1° maggio. Si tratta del luogo e del tempo in cui la poetessa ha vissuto il suo amato, a cui il componimento in versi è dedicato. Il primo maggio è quindi il giorno in cui la poetessa ricorda il suo amore perduto o lontano, ma anche il giorno in cui celebra la sua vita di donna e di lavoratrice.
