Adam Cullen (2) (1986–)

A spirited meld of the love of nature, humour, language and people.

Adam Cullen has lived in Estonia now for about 10 years and has already built up a considerable bibliography of his English translations of Estonian novels, short stories and poetry. "Lichen / Samblik" is his debut collection of his own work.

The book has a lovely cover design by publisher & fellow poet Asko Künnap which is evocative of the book's zeroing in on a mysterious amorphous world symbolized by the hardy lichen which show more can grow on bare rock. You could say it is seeking for the Estonian soul that is hidden underneath an often expressionless face.

Images of winds, waters, seas and beaches feature prominantly and are likely indicative of that part of Estonia that Cullen has grown to love the most. My own favourite is the central poem "Rain / Vihm" which is presented face-to-face in English and Estonian. An excerpt only here:

"So what's your favourite drink?"
I ask her -
an elfish Estonian lightning-streak
with a lynx's spirit,
scarcely six or seven, yet
weather-worn, sea-sailed.

"Water," she replies
with the sure-footed seriousness of
a captain's daughter.

"And what does water taste like?"
smirkingly, I pry.

Not two seconds go by,
just a glance towards the sky.

"Like rain."

On the humorous side, Cullen introduces his own brand of "Haiku for the Everyman" or "Hicku" in 1-2-1 or 2-3-2 format, e.g.

happy
only an
hour

The concluding section presents "Estonian haiku in English" in a 4-6-4 format that is "better suited to the rhythm and the laconic nature of the Estonian language."

looklev jõgi
voolab mööda patja
kadund su juus

meandering blond
river across pillow
your hair lingers

All in all, a wonderful bilingual edition (although not every poem is in both languages) that zeroes in on the things that Estonians themselves may sometimes take for granted but which a newcomer will take to heart.

Further Information and Links:
Read more about Adam Cullen in a 2014 interview at "The American Who Fell in Love with Estonia and its Literature."

"Lichen / Samblik" is likely only available in Estonia, but it can be ordered online and paid for by credit card at Estonian book stores such as Apollo who even provide an English language ordering option: http://www.apollo.ee/en/lichen-samblik.html

English translation of the "Lichen / Samblik" blurb:
The young, but already impressive mediator of Estonian literature to the world, Adam Cullen's (who has translated the authors: Mihkel Mutt, Rein Raud, Emil Tode, Indrek Hargla, Elo Viiding, a.o.) first collection of poetry, written in both the Estonian and English languages, with criss-cross translations and interpretations. Minneapolis meets Tallinn, the Great Lakes integrate with Noarootsi, lichen unites, covers and heals. Between the lines you can perceive Adam's Irish and Lappish background and blood, a refugee language's harsh and beautiful destiny. show less