You are probably wondering who Malvina Blanchecotte is. She is an obscure member of a largely ignored group of writers: women poets of the 19th century. I would like to do a series of posts about her life and work, beginning with some of her own words.
A UNE INCONNUE.
Vous qui, lisant mes vers, avez compris mon âme,
Qui, me tendant la main, avez dit : Me voici !
Vous qui voyez des pleurs sous mon voile de femme,
Oh ! vous avez souffert aussi !
Dimanche 23 october 1854.
Since most of Blanchecotte's work is not available in English, I've provided my own translation below. I've translated for comprehension, not structure, so I have not maintained the ABAB rhyming scheme of the original.
TO AN UNKNOWN WOMAN.
You who, reading my verses, have understood my soul,
Who, holding my hand, have said: Here I am!
You who see tears under my woman's veil,
Oh! you have also suffered!
Sunday, October 23, 1854.
Next time, we will take a look at Blanchecotte's life. À bientôt !