(1922-1991) poet
Vasko Popa was born in Grebenats, Banat, in Serbia. Although little is written of his life, he is one of the most widely translated modern Serbian poets. His works often describe the tragic experiences of the modern urban man in a time of war, and they express the fears and insecurities of humans trapped in a world that is becoming less and less human.
Popa’s poetry is best known for its classical elements as it brings to life the myth of Kosovo as it appeared in the traditional epic songs, by translating them into the language of modern Yugoslav poetry. In Earth Erect (translated 1973), for example, Popa describes his country outside of war as “A field like no other / Heaven above it / Heaven below.”
Classical images of Serbia’s national culture dominate Popa’s poetry, thus leading to its success not only in his own country but even more so abroad, where his works have been used as song lyrics for both children’s classical folk-song anthologies and contemporary Serbian “rock” music. From surrealist fable to traditional folktale, combining autobiography with myth, Popa’s poetry embodies the spirit of a country struggling to maintain its identity.
Other Works by Vasko Popa
Earth Erect. Translated by Anne Pennington. Iowa City: International Writing Program, University of Iowa, 1973.
Homage to the Lame Wolf: Selected Poems, 1956-1975. Tranlated with an introduction by Charles Simic. Oberlin, Ohio: Oberlin College, 1979.
The Golden Apple: A Round of Stories, Songs, Spells, Proverbs and Riddles. Translated by Andrew Harvey and Anne Pennington. London: Anvil Press Poetry, 1980.
Works about Vasko Popa
Alexander, Ronelle. The Structure of Vasko Popa’s Poetry (UCLA Slavic Studies, Vol. 14). Columbus, Ohio: Slavica Publishers, 1986.
Lekic, Anita. The Quest for Roots: The Poetry ofVasko Popa (Balkan Studies, Volume 2). New York: Peter Lang, 1993.
