Structo Lenten Psalms Translations Contest
Lent is
here and Structo is holding its fourth Lenten psalms translation contest. We’re
looking for free translations from the biblical psalms.
Lent.
Translations. Biblical. Psalms. These words might bring up some questions. What’s
Lent got to do with poetry in translation? Nothing and lots. Lent is a
traditionally time set aside for reflection. We think poetry is a great way to
reflect. Delving into the psalms is one way to reflect on the self and on the
world.
Do I have
to be religious? No. And half of the team running this aren’t. But we view this
as a chance to interact with, and create poetry in conjunction with, some great
ancient texts. We’ve had a variety of submissions over the years from people
with creeds from Catholic to agnostic, atheist to Hmong traditionalist, and all
sorts in-between.
What if I
don’t know Hebrew? Free translation means what you want it to mean. None of the
past winners have had an ancient languages background. Instead, they riffed off
the original, turned it on its head, reversed it, used key phrases, sussed out
a single idea, or wrote in a psalm mode and mood.
All
entries will be considered for publication in the magazine. The winning
psalmist will receive $150 and a two-year subscription to Structo. Entries will
be judged by panel on originality, musicality, accuracy (to the psalm’s spirit),
and aesthetic.
Deadline: April 16, 2017