Arthur Sze US Poet Laureate Translation: Why He Wrote Only 75 Poems in 50 Years

In a world obsessed with speed, one poet chooses to wait. Arthur Sze, the 25th US Poet Laureate and the first Asian-American to hold the post, has completed just 75 translations over a career spanning 50 years. His approach isn't about productivity; it's about the deliberate preservation of humanity across borders.

Arthur Sze US Poet Laureate Translation: The Art of Slowing Down

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Sze's process involves handwriting Chinese characters whenever he translates classical Tang dynasty poetry. He doesn't work on assignment. He only translates what he loves, living with the poems until they become a part of him. This resistance to haste is central to his craft as a consultant to the Library of Congress. By matching his pace to the brush strokes of the original text, Sze ensures that the emotional depth of the poem remains intact during its journey into English.

Bridging the Divide in Tense Times

Sze's work takes on a new layer of significance amid the rising tensions between the US and China. He believes poetry should break down barriers rather than create them. To Sze, translation is an endeavor that builds community and dissolves national borders. "Poetry works best through its affirmation of humanity," he notes. By engaging in deep conversations with original poets whenever possible, he transforms the act of translation into a bridge-building exercise that transcends geopolitics.