Celebrating over a decade of publication, Babel is excited to announce its theme for 2025:
“Cultural Crossings,” highlighting the connections fostered among cultures through language.
Babel | 2025 | Volume No. 12
Brunswick School 100 Maher Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830
https://www.brunswickschool.org/
BABEL, Brunswick’s multilingual literary and art magazine, presents the works of upper school students from Brunswick School and Greenwich Academy. Our mission is to draw upon the diverse language skill sets of the student body to demonstrate the power of language to break down barriers and provide a gateway to a better understanding of the diverse cultures of the world around us. Art is often paired with the literature presented to complement and enhance it. We believe that Babel is a testament to our students’ love of language, art, and culture.
Babel can be viewed digitally at brunswickschool.org
EDITORIAL PROCESS & POLICY
This year’s editorial staff consisted of 56 student contributors and two faculty advisers from Brunswick School. The literary editor of Babel reviews each submission for quality and accuracy. Pieces are ultimately selected based on general quality, the accuracy of translations, and the creativity of original works. Students and faculty work together on editing and modifying the content of the Babel literary magazine. Each student contributor is tasked with certain parts of the magazine, such as editing literary pieces and formatting. Volume XII consists of 36 student submissions of literature and 21 submissions of original art. Literature and art are paired according to relevance. The cover art is the work of Donnelly Rodgers ’25. His piece was designed for this year’s theme, “Cultural Crossings.”
Importantly, the layout and graphic design for Babel are completely created by the students and do not rely on outside sources. Furthermore, Brunswick School does not offer a journalism program and therefore students must find time outside of their busy academic, athletic, and club commitments to work on the magazine.
COLOPHON
The 2024—2025 editorial staff of Babel literary magazine created Volume XII using InDesign, Pink Mesh Magazine Layout. Zaslia and Minion Pro fonts were primarily used for the body of the text. Volume X and XI were also published using InDesign.Volume IX was published in Pages (Apple), and Volumes I—VIII in iBooks electronic format, which can be viewed on Apple computers and devices. Volume XII was printed on 80 pound Blazer Silk stock with 100 Blazer Silk stock for the cover. Distribution of the publication is free. The content of Babel literary magazine is protected by applicable copyright laws.
Preface Preface
Language is one of the most powerful tools available to humankind, serving not only as a medium for communication, but also as a means to foster connection. It facilitates the construction of bridges among individuals, communities, and cultures that might otherwise seem disconnected or othered. Language conveys meaning and serves as a time capsule of memory, identity, humor, and emotion. The current edition of Babel focuses on these essential bridges and has driven our theme — Cultural Crossings.
Within the pages of this year’s compilation, readers will find reflections on language as a vehicle of heritage and belonging and as a source of celebration. Above all, this edition provides tangible evidence that language, in its myriad forms, unites us. Connections are made through translation and conversation and highlight our collective desire to understand and be understood. At Brunswick, our language students seek to appreciate the nuanced exchange of words and phrases to mine our deeper global identities and see the world through a broader lens. Babel honors the elegance of the written word, as well as the power of art to convey one’s voice. The phrases we use, the narratives we tell, and the visuals we share all help us explore and traverse generations of culture and meaning.
Welcome to the 2025 edition of Babel. —Donnelly Rodgers ’25
Artwork by: Abby Iles ’27
Artwork by: Martin Robredo ’27
Petrotos ’26
John
Artwork by:
Artwork by: Zara Kurbanov ’25
“Words travel worlds Translators do the driving” “Words travel worlds Translators do the driving”
—Anna Rusconi —Anna Rusconi
TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section I Latin & ROMANCE LANGUAGES
Section II
Middle Eastern LANGUAGES
Section III ASIATIC LANGUAGES
Artwork by: Martin Robredo ’27
Section One ROMANTIC LANGUAGES ROMANTIC LANGUAGES
Contents
LATIN
Charlie Tortorella ’25
Oliver Reynolds ’25
ITALIAN
Bryan Dean ’26
Andrew Ohls ’26
Vijay Ranganathan ’26
SPANISH
Inacio Miranda ’25
Chase Elliot ’26
Subir Garg ’25
Colin Officer ’26
Bryan Dean ’26
FRENCH
Nate O’Connor ’27
Shep McGovern ’27
LANDMARKS OF PARIS
Charlie Tortorella ’25
Periscos Odi
Horace
Persicos odi, puer, apparatus, displicent nexae philyra coronae, mitte sectari, rosa quo locorum sera moretur.
simplici myrto nihil adlabores sedulus curo: neque te ministrum dedecet myrtus neque me sub arta vite bibentem.
“I detest Persian extravagances, o boy, I dislike garlands bound with linden bark. Stop searching for the place in which the last rose lingers. I don’t belabor myself even with simple myrtle, but I care for it ardently: the myrtle does not disgrace you, my server, nor does it me, as I drink under the dense vine.”
by: Harrison Hantman ’27
Artwork
Oliver Reynolds ’25
Pompey the Oak and Caesar the Thunderbolt
Lucan
But in Caesar, it was not only the name Nor the fame of a leader: but a courage not knowing how to stand still, And the only shame was not to conquer in war. Fierce and untamed; wherever hope or anger called him, He carried his hand [to action], and never spared by defiling the sword. He pressed his successes, pursued the favor Of divine will: driving forward whatever stood in his way As he sought the highest, rejoicing to make a path through ruin.
Just as a thunderbolt, hurled through the clouds by the winds, Flashes from the driven heavens with the world’s crash and roar, Breaks the day, and terrifies trembling peoples, Dazzling their eyes with its slanting flame. It rages into its temples, and with no material forbidding its exit, It falls with great destruction and, returning, Leaves widespread devastation, and gathers its scattered fires.
Sed non in Caesare tantum nomen erat, nec fama ducis: sed nescia virtus stare loco: solusque pudor, non vincere bello. acer et indomitus; quo spes, quoque ira vocasset, ferre manum, et numquam temerando parcere ferro: successus urgere suos, instare favori numinis: impellens, quidquid sibi, summa petenti, obstaret, gaudensque viam fecisse ruina. qualiter expressum ventis per nubila fulmen aetheris impulsi sonitu mundique fragore emicuit, rupitque diem, populosque paventes terruit, obliqua praestringens lumina flamma. in sua templa furit: nullaque exire vetante materia, magnamque cadens, magnamque revertens dat stragem late, sparsosque recolligit ignes.
BRYAN DEAN ’26
Excerpt from Dante Alighieri’s Inferno: Canto 3
‘Per me si va ne la città dolente, per me si va ne l’etterno dolore, per me si va tra la perduta gente.
Giustizia mosse il mio alto fattore; fecemi la divina podestate, la somma sapienza e ‘1 primo amore.
Dinanzi a me non fuor cose create se non etterne, e io etterno duro.
Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch’intrate’.
Queste parole di colore oscuro vid’io scritte al sommo d’una porta; per ch’io: “Maestro, il senso lor m’è duro”.
Ed elli a me, come persona accorta:
“Qui si convien lasciare ogne sospetto; ogne viltà convien che qui sia morta.
Noi siam venuti al loco ov’i’ t’ ho detto che tu vedrai le genti dolorose c’ hanno perduto il ben de l’intelletto”.
E poi che la sua mano a la mia puose con lieto volto, ond’io mi confortai, mi mise dentro a le segrete cose.
Quivi sospiri, pianti e alti guai risonavan per l’aere sanza stelle, per ch’io al cominciar ne lagrimai.
Diverse lingue, orribili favelle, parole di dolore, accenti d’ira, voci alte e fioche, e suon di man con elle.
Through me you enter the city of pain, through me you enter the eternal suffering, through me you walk among the lost souls.
Justice has moved my great creator; I was created by the divine figure, the highest wisdom and the original love. Before me nothing was created but eternal things, and I myself am eternal.
Abandon all hope, you who enter.’ These words of darkness I saw written on the top of a gate; I said: “Lord, I do not understand their meaning”.
And he told me, like my mentor: “Here it is best to leave behind all fear; all cowardice should die here.
We’ve come to the place where I told you that you will see the anguishing souls that have lost their soundness of mind”.
And as he put his hand on mine, with a serene look, to comfort me, he took me in among the hidden things.
And there, sighs, moans, and other cries echoed through the starless air, and from the start I began to cry.
Different languages, horrible speech, words of pain, cries of anger, high and faint voices, and awful sounds with them.
Artwork by: Marc o Leao ’27
ANDREW OHLS ’26
Se Questo É Un Uomo
Primo Levi
Voi che vivete sicuri nelle vostre tiepide case, voi che trovate tornando a sera il cibo caldo e visi amici:
Considerate se questo è un uomo che lavora nel fango che non conosce pace che lotta per mezzo pane che muore per un sì o per un no.
Considerate se questa è una donna, senza capelli e senza nome senza più forza di ricordare vuoti gli occhi e freddo il grembo come una rana d’inverno.
Meditate che questo è stato: vi comando queste parole. Scolpitele nel vostro cuore stando in casa andando per via, coricandovi, alzandovi. Ripetetele ai vostri figli. O vi si sfaccia la casa, la malattia vi impedisca, i vostri nati torcano il viso da voi.
If This is a Man Primo Levi
You who live safely in your warm homes, you who find upon returning in the evening warm food and friendly faces:
Consider if this is a man who works in the mud who does not know peace who fights for half a loaf who dies for a yes or a no.
Consider if this is a woman, without hair and without a name who has lost the strength to remember empty eyes and a cold womb like a frog in winter.
Reflect that this is true: This, I command to you.
Sculpt them into your heart staying home or going out, going to bed, waking up. Repeat them to your children. Or your house shall collapse, disease shall impede you, your children shall turn away from you.
Artwork by: Jamie Schwarz ’25
Artwork by: Callum Walker ’26
VIJAY RANGANATHAN ’26
X Agosto
Giovanni
Pascoli
San Lorenzo, io lo so perché tanto di stelle per l’aria tranquilla arde e cade, perché si gran pianto nel concavo cielo sfavilla.
Ritornava una rondine al tetto: l’uccisero: cadde tra i spini; ella aveva nel becco un insetto: la cena dei suoi rondinini.
Ora è là, come in croce, che tende quel verme a quel cielo lontano; e il suo nido è nell’ombra, che attende, che pigola sempre più piano.
Anche un uomo tornava al suo nido: l’uccisero: disse: Perdono; e resto negli aperti occhi un grido: portava due bambole in dono.
Ora là, nella casa romita, lo aspettano, aspettano in vano: egli immobile, attonito, addita le bambole al cielo lontano.
E tu, Cielo, dall’alto dei mondi sereni, infinito, immortale, oh! d’un pianto di stelle lo inondi quest’atomo opaco del Male!
Augustus X Giovanni Pascoli
San Lorenzo, I know why so much of stars for the calm air burns and falls, because of great crying in the concave sky it sparkles. A swallow returned to the roof: they killed him: he fell among the thorns; she had an insect in her beak: his swallows’ dinner. Now he is there, as if on the cross, tending that worm to that distant sky; and its nest is in the shadow, waiting, who chirps more and more slowly. A man also returned to his nest: they killed him: he said: Forgiveness; and a cry remained in my open eyes: brought two dolls as a gift. Now there, in the solitary house, they wait for him, they wait in vain: he stands still, astonished, points the dolls to the distant sky.
And you, Heaven, from above the worlds serene, infinite, immortal, oh! you flood it with a cry of stars this opaque atom of Evil!
Inacio Miranda ’25
Cultivo una Rosa Blanca
José Martí
Cultivo una rosa blanca en junio como enero para el amigo sincero que me da su mano franca.
Y para el cruel que me arranca el corazón con que vivo, cardo ni ortiga cultivo; cultivo la rosa blanca.
I Grow a White Rose
José Martí
I grow a white rose in June like in January for the sincere friend who gives me his frank hand.
And for the cruel one that tears away the heart with which I live, I grow neither thistle nor nettle; I grow the white rose.
Artwork by: Matias DeBono
Chase Elliot ’26
La Primavera Besaba Antonio Machado
La primavera besaba suavemente la arboleda, y el verde nuevo brotaba como una verde humareda. Las nubes iban pasando sobre el campo juvenil... Yo vi en las hojas temblando las frescas lluvias de abril.
Bajo ese almendro florido, todo cargado de flor —recordé—, yo he maldecido mi juventud sin amor. Hoy, en mitad de la vida, me he parado a meditar... ¡Juventud nunca vivida, quién te volviera a soñar!
The Spring Kissed Antonio Machado
Spring gently kissed the grove, and the new green sprouted like a green cloud of smoke.
The clouds went passing over the young countryside... I saw on the shivering leaves the fresh rains of April.
Under that flowering almond tree, all filled with flowers—I remembered—, I have cursed my youth without love.
Today, in the middle of life, I have stopped to meditate... Youth never lived, Who would return to dream of you!
SUBIR GARG ’25
Música y Yo
Subir Garg
La música estoy oyendo
Notas distintas hay tantas que me parecen desconectadas. No la entiendo.
Con poder de conexión cultural el producto final es bonito. En este rompecabezas confuso aprendo qué es la libertad. Increíble es la música clásica. Sin palabras influye en mis pensamientos.
Todos disfrutan este poder verdadero. Sin palabras describe mis sentimientos.
Varias lenguas y varios ritmos, música hay para cada humor que tengo. Después de unas veces me lleva. La acepto. Me acepto.
Music and I Subir Garg
I am listening to music there are many distinct notes which seem disconnected to me. I do not understand. With the power for cultural connection the final product is beautiful.
In this confusing puzzle, I learn what freedom is. Classical music is incredible. Without words it influences my thoughts. All enjoy its undeniable power. Without words it captures my feelings. Many languages and many rhythms, there is music for my every mood.
After listening a few times, it takes me.
I accept it. I accept myself.
Artwork by: Henry Nash ’27
COLIN OFFICER ’26
Navidad
Colin
Officer
Cada Navidad, cuando caminábamos juntos por Central Park, y cada visita, cuando en secreto dasme dulces, Y en los momentos difíciles, cuando lloré en tus brazos, a los momentos felices, cuando celebramos bailando y cantando hasta bien entrada la noche. No importa lo que hagamos, porque siempre me siento estoy contigo. Siempre puedes hacerme sonreír, te amo mucho!
Christmas
Colin Officer
Each Christmas, when we would walk together through Central Park, and each visit, when you would secretly give me treats, and in the difficult moments, when I cried in your arms, to the happy moments, when we would celebrate by dancing and singing into the night. It doesn’t matter what we are doing, because I always feel comfortable when I am with you. You always are able to bring a smile to my face, I love you!
Artwork by: Declan Murray ’25
BRYAN DEAN ’26
Los Cambios Bryan Dean
Mira, hermano, a las estrellas; Son las mismas que has visto en toda tu vida. ¿Por qué ahora estás confundido? Mira a la tierra en que caminas. ¿No es la misma tierra de desde que eras pequeño? Piensa en todas las personas que has conocido en tu vida corta; ¿Por qué ahora ves caras diferentes? ¿En qué se ha convertido la gente? Tu pueblo es un lugar desconocido; Tu casa ya no es un hogar, Ya no reconoces tu cama, ni tu mesa de cena, ni los cuadros en la pared. Ya no ves con tus propios ojos; tu vida se ha convertido en líneas borrosas.Dime, amigo: ¿Por qué te torturas así?La vida es una cosa corta y preciosa; no te sirve sin tu tranquilidad. Amigo, no dejes que los cambios en la vida destruyan tus esperanzas.
The
Changes Bryan Dean
Look, brother, at the stars; They are the same that you have seen your entire life. Why are you confused now? Look at the dirt that you walk on. Is it not the same dirt from your youth?
Think of all the people that you have met in your short life; Why do you see different faces now? What have the people become? Your town is an unfamiliar place; Your house is no longer a home, You no longer recognize your bed, nor your dinner table, nor the pictures on the wall. You no longer see with your own eyes; your life has become blurred lines. Tell me, my friend: Why do you torture yourself like this? Life is a short and precious thing; it means nothing if you do not have peace. My friend, do not allow change to destroy your hopes.
Artwork by: Aidan Diaz—Matos ’25
NATE O’CONNOR ’27
La table française
Une romance, une cuisine dans le ciel bleu de Paris
Le pain, la croûte croustillante et le fromage dégagent tous une fragrance savoureuse
L’odeur matinale, les croissants chauds
Le vin est plutôt bien, qu’il soit rouge ou blanche
Le persil, les escargots et le beurre
Un festin se trouve sur la table
L’arôme du marché local attise la gourmandise, la soupe aux oignons
Chaque composition éveille un rêve, qu’il s’agisse de galettes salées ou de crêpes sucrées
La France, un pays de saveurs, vous, chefs, alimentez le cœur
Chaque individu célèbre avec affection et traditions.
The French Table
A romance, a cuisine in the blue sky of Paris
The bread, the crispy crust, and the cheese all exude a delicious fragrance
The morning scent, the warm croissants
The wine is quite good, whether red or white
The parsley, the snails, and the butter
A feast is on the table
The aroma of the local market whets the appetite, the onion soup
France, a land of flavors, you, chefs, feed the heart
Each individual celebrates with affection and tradition.
Each composition awakens a dream, whether savory galettes or sweet crêpes
Shep McGovern ’27
Artwork
by: Donnelly Rodgers ’25
L’Automne à Paris
Les sycomores en mouvement qui se déplacent, Les couleurs rouges, oranges, jaunes et vertes.
L’éclat du soleil d’automne qui rayonne, La brise fraîche qui secoue les feuilles de manière si délicate, Une sérénité qui transcende l’entendement humain, Une place où Dieu intervient, La section historique & historique la plus riche de leur country,
Des températures douces et pluvieuses, Tellement de football, du hooliganisme et des ultras,
Ensemble, nous chanterons, Je suis le Paris Saint—Germain.
L’immense splendeur de la tour Eiffel, La splendeur impressionnante du Champ de Mars,
L’exploration des musées, Il s’agit de Paris en automne.
Autumn in Paris
The sycamore trees in motion, The red, orange, yellow, and green colors. The radiance of the autumn sun shining through, The cool breeze shaking the leaves so delicately, A serenity that transcends human understanding, A place where God intervenes, The richest historical and historical section of their country, Mild and rainy temperatures, So much football, hooliganism, and ultras, Together we will sing, I am Paris Saint—Germain. The immense splendor of the Eiffel Tower, The awe—inspiring splendor of the Champ de Mars, Exploring the museums, This is Paris in autumn.
Il est impossible d’imaginer Paris sans la Tour Eiffel. Quand elle a été construite en 1889 par l’ingénieur Gustave Eiffel, sa hauteur de 300 mètres en faisait la structure la plus haute du monde. Elle devait être faite en fer, car un monument en pierre de cette taille se serait effondré sous son propre poids. Au début, les gens la trouvaient laide et on lancé des mouvements pour la démolir, mais quand le télégraphe et la radio ont été inventés, la tour est devenue très utile comme antenne. Aujourd’hui, elle est utilisée pour transmettre des émissions de télévision. La Tour Eiffel attire également des millions de visiteurs du monde entier depuis un siècle!
Declan Litchfield—Cunningham ’27
It is impossible to imagine Paris without the Eiffel Tower. When it was built in 1889 by engineer Gustave Eiffel, its 300—meter height made it the world’s largest structure. It had to be made of iron because a stone monument of this size would collapse. In its debut, people thought it was ugly and started movements to demolish it. It was not until the telegraph and the radio were invented that the tower became useful as an antenna. Today, it is used to transmit television programs. The Eiffel Tower has also been attracting millions from all around the world for the past century!
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers ’25
Place de la bastille
La tristement célèbre prison de la Bastille n’est plus active, mais son idée et son héritage perdurent. A l’époque médiévale, la Place de la Bastille était une prison où les gens étaient envoyés par le Roi de l’époque. N’importe qui pouvait être envoyé place de la Bastille avant la Révolution française. C’était au Roi et à ses conseillers de vous soumettre à la Bastille, il avait le pouvoir de vous envoyer en prison pour tout ce que vous faisiez. La prison était sombre et humide. En juillet 1789, la Bastille est détruite au début de la Révolution française. Il y a maintenant un petit ange au sommet d’une colonne au milieu du cercle. On l’appelle le Génie de la Liberté et il est très symbolique. Il tient une chaîne brisée dans sa main gauche et une torche dans sa droite. Hé, où est passé ce Génie ?
Austin McLaren ’27
The infamous Bastille prison is no longer active, but its idea and legacy continues. In medieval times, the Place de la Bastille was a prison where people were sent by the King at the time. Anyone could be sent to the Place de la Bastille before the French Revolution. It was just up to the King and his advisors to subject you to the Bastille; he had the authority to send you to prison for anything you did. The prison was dark and dank. In July 1789, the Bastille was destroyed at the start of the French Revolution. There is now a small angel on top of a column in the middle of the circle. He is called the Genie of Freedom and he is very symbolic. He holds a broken chain in his left hand and a torch in his right. Hey, where did that Genie go?
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers ’25
LE LOUVRE
Le Louvre est un très célèbre musée à Paris le long de la Seine. A l’origine, le musée est une petite forteresse. Dans le 1500’s, il a été transformé en château par François I. Beaucoup de personnes ont ajouté des bâtiments au musée pendant beaucoup d’années. Pour exemple, Napoléon I a ajouté un bâtiment le long de La Rue de Rivoli, et Louis XIV à ajouté un bâtiment de la côte est.
Maintenant, le musée a plus de 615,000 nombreuses œuvres d’art, originaires de beaucoup de pays. Le musée est connu pour arbitrer d’une très célèbre œuvre d’art, la Mona Lisa.
Emily Beall ’27
The Louvre is a very famous museum along the Seine in Paris. It was originally a small fortress. In the early 1500s, Francis I transformed it into a palace. Many people have added buildings to the museum over the years. For example, Napoleon I added a building along the Rue de Rivoli, and Louis XIV added another building on the eastern side. Now, the Louvre holds over 615,000 pieces of art originating from many countries. The museum is known for being home to a famous work of art, the Mona Lisa.
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers ’25
CANAL SAINT MARTIN
Ce canal est une voie navigable reliant le bassin de la Villette, au nord de Paris, au port de l’Arsenal, sur la Seine. Il a ouvert ses portes en 1825. Avec le canal Saint—Denis, il constituait un raccourci pratique pour les péniches sillonnant les méandres de la Seine. De plus, tous les ponts du centre—ville étaient encombrés de pompes et de roues hydrauliques, ce qui rendait la navigation fluviale ici plus facile. Aujourd’hui, la plupart des bateaux transportent des touristes et non du fret. Attention, personne ne tombe à l’eau, sinon il faudra lui lancer une bouée de sauvetage. Pouvez—vous le trouver ?
Jonathan Annivain ’27
This canal is a waterway linking the Villette basin, north of Paris, to the port of Arsenal on the Seine. It opened its doors in 1825. Along with the Saint—Denis canal, it provided a practical shortcut for barges plying the meanders of the Seine. In addition, all the bridges in the city center were cluttered with pumps and water wheels, making river navigation easier. Today, most boats carry tourists rather than cargo. Be careful; no one falls into the water; otherwise, you will have to throw them a lifebuoy. Can you find it?
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers ’25
L’HOTEL DE VILLE
L’hôtel de ville est la mairie du centre de Paris. L’hôtel de ville est situé dans le magnifique quartier du Marais. L’hôtel a acquis sa renommée grâce à de nombreuses manifestations et émeutes. L’hôtel de ville a été construit en 1357. La mairie a été agrandie en 1533. Il a ensuite été reconstruit en 1892. Le bâtiment est une belle pièce de l’architecture de la Renaissance française. Un événement clé à l’hôtel de ville a été quand Maximilien Robespierre a été abattu et arrêté avant son exécution à la Place de la Concorde. L’hôtel de ville a joué aussi un rôle important dans la libération de Paris, la domination allemande. Au plus fort de la libération, Charles de Gaulle a prononcé un discours célèbre d’un balcon à un grand foule à l’hôtel de ville.
L’hôtel de ville est toujours en usage. La mairie est l’endroit où travaillent la Mairie de Paris et son cabinet. Les visites sont disponibles sur réservation. L’hôtel de ville est facilement accessible. Vous pouvez marcher ou prendre le métro à la gare Châlet. Si vous êtes à Paris, il n’y a aucune excuse pour ne pas visiter l’hôtel de ville!
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers ’25
Max Stabinsky’ 27
The Hotel de Ville is the town hall of Paris. It is located in the magnificent Marais neighborhood. The Hotel gained its fame due to numerous protests and riots. The Hotel de Ville was built in 1357. The town hall was extended in 1533. It was later reconstructed in 1892. The building is a beautiful piece of French renaissance architecture. One key event at the Hotel de Ville was when Maximilien Robespierre was shot and arrested before his execution at the Place de la Concorde. The Hotel de Ville also played an important role in the liberation of Paris from German rule. At the climax of Liberation, Charles de Gaulle delivered a famous speech from a balcony to a large crowd at the Hotel de Ville. The Hotel de Ville is still in use. The town hall is the place where the mayor of Paris and his cabinet work. Tours are available by reservation. The Hotel de Ville is easily accessible. You can walk or take the metro to the Châtlet station. If you are in Paris there is no excuse not to visit the Hotel de Ville!
Palais Garnier
L’Opéra, autre nom du Palais Garnier, est un temple. C’est un monument historique célèbre à Paris. Il a été construit de 1861 à 1875 pour l’Opéra de Paris. Il a été construit par l’architecte Charles Garnier. Il a été construit pendant quatorze ans parce qu’il est détaillé. L’opéra est décoré de marbre, de colonnes et de sculptures. C’est magnifique! Il a beaucoup d’histoire et de beauté. Le temple est utilisé pour l’Opéra de Paris et le Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris. près de 500 000 personnes visitent l’Opéra de Paris par an. L’architecture et les performances sont spectaculaires, c’est pourquoi il est si populaire.
Atley Dimsey ’27
The Opera, another name for Palais Garnier, is a temple. It is a famous historical monument in Paris. It was built from 1861 to 1875 for the Paris Opera. It was built by the architect Charles Garnier. It took fourteen years to build because it is detailed. The Opera is decorated with marble, columns, and sculptures. It is magnificent! It has a lot of history and beauty. The temple is used for the Paris Opera and the Paris Opera Ballet. Almost 500,000 people visit the Opera per year. The architecture and performances are spectacular, which is why it is so popular.
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers ’25
NOTRE DAME
Notre—Dame de Paris est une cathédrale au milieu de la ville, au cœur de Paris. Il est célèbre pour son architecture impressionnante. Il a été le témoin de nombreux événements historiques, comme le couronnement de Napoléon Bonaparte. En 2019, la cathédrale a pris feu, il est en cours de restauration. Notre—Dame a un très bon architecte. Les architectes étaient Jean de Chelles, Pierre de Montreuil et Pierre de Chelles. Et le fondateur est Maurice de Sully. Symbole de la ville et de l’histoire de France, Notre—Dame attire chaque année des millions de visiteurs du monde entier.
Emma Hakim ’27
Notre—Dame of Paris is a cathedral in the middle of the city, in the heart of Paris. It is famous for its impressive architecture. It has witnessed many important events, such as the coronation of Napoléon Bonaparte. In 2019, the cathedral caught fire and is currently being restored. Notre Dame has very good architecture. The architects were Jean de Chelles, Pierre de Montreuil, and Pierre de Chelles. And the founder was Maurice de Sully. A symbol of the city and French history, Notre Dame attracts millions of visitors from all over the world every year.
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers ’25
JARDIN DU LUXEMBOURG
Le Jardin du Luxembourg est situé dans l’enceinte du Palais du Luxembourg., qui a été conçu en 1612 par Marie de Médici, la veuvre du rou Henry IV de France, qui devint sa seconde épouse en 1600 quand elle a construit la nouvelle palace. Le jardin est un endroit trés apprécié pour les loisoirs et la relaxation. Visiteurs et Parisiens viennent admirer le paysage luxuriant, faire du jogging, jouer aux échecs, ou simplement se promener. Le jardin de 57 acres est très connu pourles parterres de fleurs, les courts de tennis, les pelouses, et sa fontaine Médicis, qui a été construit en 1620. Le Jardin du Luxembourg était un lieu majeur pour rassemblements politiques pendant la Révolution française.
Owen Day ’27
The Jardin du Luxembourg is located within the Palais du Luxembourg, which was designed in 1612 by Marie de Médici, the widow of the French king Henry IV, who became his second wife in 1600 when she built the new palace. The garden is a popular spot for leisure and relaxation. Visitors and Parisians alike come to admire the lush landscape, jog, play chess, or simply stroll around. The 57— acre garden is famous for its flowerbeds, tennis courts, lawns, and its Medici fountain, which was built in 1620. The Jardin du Luxembourg was a major venue for political gatherings during the French Revolution.
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers
Versailles
Le roi Louis XIV n’aimait pas Paris. Devenu roi, il décide de créer le château de Versailles. Il choisit un petit lodge dans une ville loin de Paris. Il ajouta ensuite des jardins et des fontaines, qui étaient très belles. Il ajouta également le Grand Canal et les bassins. Louis voulait créer la plus grande et la meilleure palette d’Europe pour montrer sa puissance en tant que roi—soleil. Versailles est devenue la capitale de la France jusqu’à la fin de la monarchie. Mais Versailles est toujours debout et très beau.
Aidan Williams ’27
King Louis XIV did not like Paris. After he became king, he decided to create the Castle of Versailles. He chose a small lodge in a town far away from Paris. He then added gardens and fountains, which were very beautiful. He also added the Grand Canal and the basins. Louis wanted to make the biggest and best palace in Europe to show his power as the Sun King. Versailles became the capital of France until the monarchy ended. But Versailles is still standing and very beautiful.
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers
Les arenes de lutece
Les Romains ont gouverné Paris il y a environ 2,000 ans. À cette époque que les Romains ont construit les Arènes romaines, il y a beaucoup de structures qu’ils ont construit à Paris. L’arène était autrefois assez grande pour accueillir jusqu’à 15,000 personnes. Des pièces de théâtre et même des combats de gladiateurs étaient joués dans l’arène. Les Arènes sont le plus ancien reste historique construit à Paris et la troisième plus grande arène romaine de France. Les arènes romaines sont des vestiges les plus importants de la Rome ancien à Paris.
Hampus Vandenberg ’26
The Romans ruled Paris around 2,000 years ago. During this time, the Romans built the Roman Arena which was one of many structures the Romans had built in Paris. The Arena was once large enough to hold up to 15,000 people. Plays and even gladiator fights were performed in the Arena. The Arena is the oldest historical building in Paris, and the third largest Roman arena in France. The Roman Arena is one of the most important remains of Ancient Rome in Paris.
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers ’25
Section TWO SEMITIC LANGUAGES SEMITIC LANGUAGES
Contents
HEB REW
Neveh Yeshely ’26
Henry Mayerfield ’26
FARSI
Jake Vahabzadah ’27
ARABIC : THE SEVEN DAYS OF LOVE
Neveh
Yechiely ’26
Over All of These Naomi Shemer
Over the honey and the bee sting
Over the bitter and the sweet
Over our baby girl
Please guard my good Lord.
Over the burning fire
Over the crystal—clear water
And over the man returning home from afar.
Over all these things, over all these things
Please guard for me my good God
Over the honey and the bee sting
Over the bitter and the sweet.
Please don’t uproot what’s been planted
Don’t forget the hope
Lead me home and I will return
To the good land.
Guard my God over this house
Over the garden and the wall
From sorrow, sudden fear and from war.
Protect the little I have
The light and the infants
The fruit not yet ripened and the ones that were picked.
Over all these things...
A tree rustles in the wind
In the distance a star falls
The wishes of my heart, in the darkness
Are being written now.
Please guard all these things for me
And over my beloved ones
Over the quiet, the tears
And this song.
Over all these things...
Artwork by: Austin McLaren ’27
HENRY MAYERFIELD ’26
Peace
Henry Mayerfield
Through the deep rubble we come from, There is a flag raised in the air, Angelic as it waves with some, People rising up with a shining glare, Looking out with a mighty hopeful stare,
As they now look out to the other side, Peace is now so blessed with them, Walking out in the rainy night, They shake hands now with those men, So making new trees with new stems,
A new day come to us anew,
Filled with peace and flowers all over us, Us now brothers with those we once not knew, Coming together to make a new world for us, Now peace for our children in a world warless too
Artwork by: Nathaniel Lee ’26
Artwork by: Zara Kurbanov ’25
Jake Vahabzadeh ’27
The Sun Mary Oliver
The sun just touched the morning. The morning, happy thing, Spread its fingers, Let the light in. The trees, like hands, Prayed to the sun. The grass, as it had done yesterday, Bowed its head And raised its green arms To the sky.
ThE SEVEN DAYS OF ThE SEVEN DAYS OF
MONDAY— Anthony Sayegh ’26
TUESDAY— Griffin Green ’25
WEDNESDAY— Grayson O’Hara ’25
THURSDAY— Declan Murray ’25
mahmoud
Anthony Sayegh ’26 —FRIDAY
Marco Leau ’26 —SATURDAY
Max Colella ’26 —SUNDAY darwish
Anthony Sayegh ’26
ANDALUSIAN SONG
Mahmoud Darwish
I pass by your name when I am alone, like a Syrian passing through southern Spain. Here, the lemon tree set fire to the salt of my blood. Here, a wind came rushing across the back of a mare. I pass by your name. No army, no country can lay siege to me now. As if I were the last of the guards, or a poet strolling down the street of his own obsessions.
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers ’25
TUESDAY The Phoenix
Griffin Green ’25
Your Passing by the words would be enough for the phoenix to find its image in us, and for the spirit, born of the spirit, to give birth to a body... A body is needed for the spirit to consume it, With itself, for itself. A body is needed for the spirit to show what it’s hidden from eternity Let’s burn up, for nothing, but to unite!
Grayson O’hara ’25
The NARCISSUS
Her age, twenty—five women. Born as she wished to be, walking around her image in the water, as if it were another’s. I need a night … to run within myself. I need a love to jump over the tower … She drew away from her shadow, so lightening would pass between the two like a stranger passes through his poem …
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers ’25
Declan Murray ’25
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers ’25
THURSDAY GENESIS
I found myself, inside and out of myself, with you, between the two, a mirror… The earth visits you, sometimes, seeking its finery It visits you to climb to the root of the dream As for me, I can be as you left me yesterday near the water, split into earth and sky. Ah… but where are they?
Anthony Sayegh ’26
FRIDAY ANOTHER WINTER
If you go far, hang my dream on the chest of drawers, a souvenir of you or of me. Another winter will come. And I’ll see two doves on the chair, and I’ll see what you did with the coconut: Milk flowed from my words onto another carpet
If you go, then, take winter!
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers ’25
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers ’25
Marc o Leao ’27
SATURDAY
THE DOVE ’S WEDDING
Listen to my body: Bees have their gods Neighs have endless fiddles
I am the clouds. You are the earth, held against a fence by the eternal wail of desire
Listen to my body: death has its fruits
And life has a life that renews itself only from a body…that listens to a body
Max Colella ’26
IN A MINOR KEY
He loves you. Come closer like a cloud… Come closer to the stranger weeping over me at the window: I love her. Descend like a star… Descend upon the traveler so that he’ll stay on the road: I love you. Unfold like darkness. Spread out inside the lover’s red rose and hesitate like a tent. Hesitate, in the loneliness of the king…
Artwork by Donnelly Rodgers ’25
Section THREE ASIATIC LANGUAGES ASIATIC LANGUAGES
Armaan Lakhani ’27
Contents HINDI FILIPINO
Max Colella ’26
MANDARIN
Harry Saunders ’27
Theo Lin ’27
Armaan Lakhani ’27
An excerpt from Madhushala, a book by
Harivansh Rai Bachchan
“I have erased my own existence, Let go of the pride to merely survive. Today, I have no desires left to gain, Embracing life as the ultimate sacrifice. In the quiet hut by the flowing waves, I found solace in the serene stream. When I saw your smile, I realized, In your joy lies the world of my dreams.”
Artwork by: Mac Ahern ’26
Artwork by: Will Hawks ’27
Max Colella ’26
Ang Lakas Sa Iyo
Blake Auden
May lakas sa iyo na hindi mo pa natutuklasan.
At ito ang talaga kung ganyan ang takbo ng buhay.
Hindi mo malalaman ang ganap na kalakas
hangga’t hindi pinipilit ng mundo na hanapin ang ganang ito.
The Strength In You
Blake Auden
There is a strength in you you haven’t even begun to find And that’s often how life works. You won’t know how strong you are until the world forces you to look.
Harry Saunders ’27
A very long time ago there were 10 suns in the sky. The earth was very hot, crops wouldn’t grow. People’s lives were very bitter and difficult. One day, someone named Hou Yi came to help. He used a Bow and arrow to shoot down 9 suns leaving just one left. The people were very grateful; they worshiped him and he became the hero for all of China.
Hou Yi’s wife was named Chang’e. They lived together happily. One day, Hou Yi went to see the Mother Nature. To reward Hou Yi for his actions, she gave him a bottle of immortality medicine. Should he eat this medicine he would live forever and never age.
However, Hou Yi did not want to leave Chang’e so he kept the medicine in his house with his wife until they would take the medicine together. One day an Evil person found this medicine and wanted to steal it. To stop him from stealing the medicine, Chang’e ate all the immortality medicine herself. As soon as she finished eating she immediately flew into the sky and landed on the moon. Frim then on, She would live there and became China’s moon goddess.
When Hou Yi found out, he was heartbroken. Every night he would look at the moon and cry. He wished he could see his wife more and more. Everyone felt sympathetic to Hou Yi. From then on, everybody including Hou Yi looked at the moon together and they repeated Chang’e’s name. During the fall festival, Chinese people come together and look at the moon together while eating moon cakes. Together they mourn those who they have lost and remember Chang’e’s sacrifice.
Artwork by: Donnelly Rodgers ’25
THEO LIN ’27
Translated from “Kua Fu Chases the Sun”
In ancient Northern China, there lived a person named Kua Fu. He was both tall and big, and he was also very strong. Moreover, he could run extremely fast.
Everyday, Kuafu would go to the mountains to hunt. One day, he saw a hare, and he picked up a rock and threw it at the hare, but he missed. The hare ran all over the place, and Kua Fu climbed, searching for the hare, but could not find it. As he searched for the hare, he chased it farther and farther. It was already dark, but Kua Fu still hadn’t caught up to the hare. Kua Fu was exhausted from running, so he sat down on a rock on the side of the mountain to rest. He looked up and saw that the sun was about to set in the West. Kua Fu thought, “Suppose I’m able to capture the sun and fix it in the sky, it would make the earth bright forever, there would be no darkness, which would be amazing!”
After thinking about this, Kua Fu stood up and strode towards where the sun disappeared. After a little while, he had already walked tens of thousands of miles and arrived at the Yu valley. The Yu valley is where the sun rests everyday. Kua Fu saw a super big, red fireball, and he put it on top of his head. It was so brilliant and bright, and he liked it a lot. Suddenly, Kua Fu felt an unbearable thirst. He bent over, and drank all the water in the Yellow and Wei Rivers in one mouthful, leaving them dry. But he was still thirsty, so he was forced to run towards the North again. Kua Fu knew that there was a big lake called the Han Sea in the north. The water of the lake would be sufficient to quench his thirst. But the journey was too far, and Kua Fu was both thirsty and tired. He died halfway through his journey to the Han Sea.
The giant Kua Fu fell down like a mountain. He saw the sun fall down onto the ground. He exclaimed loudly, and using all of his energy, he threw the wooden cane in his hand in front of him, then stopped breathing. Only when the sun rose again from the east, and tens of thousands of golden beams shone on the earth, did people discover that the giant Kua Fu who fell in open land, disappeared. Where he fell, a large mountain arose. At the foot of the mountain there was a peach forest. On the peach trees grew big, red peaches. People knew that this mountain was Kua Fu’s reincarnation, and the peach forest was what his cane transformed into. The peaches were Kua Fu’s wish for the people, so that they would not be thirsty when they seek light, allowing him to give light to the people.
Artwork by: Marco Leao ’27
Letter from the editor Letter from the editor
As an artist, I’ve always believed that stories don’t just exist in words — they also reside in colors, textures, and composition. So when I first sat down to envision this year’s Babel magazine, I approached it as I would a blank canvas — asking how to create something that was both beautiful and inviting to the reader, but also personal. Babel is its own unique art form, balancing voice and vision on each page, and leading the reader on a journey that honors the words shared. Language itself is visual; each story, memory, and cultural touchstone carries its own palette.
Our theme, Cultural Crossings, focuses on the bridges between peoples and cultures that create the opportunity for connection. These connections are not always perfectly clear but seek to lessen the distance between us. Language and art demand imagination and vulnerability, and that is highlighted on these pages. As I edited, designed, and created some of my own art for the magazine this year, I was thrilled to engage all facets of my toolbox. I’m proud of what we’ve created and want to thank everyone who trusted us to share their stories, translations, and renderings. I hope you enjoy this year’s Babel as you cross over all of the wonderful bridges on vivid display.
