Traci O’Dea POET

Scotland Street Press

What does a typical working day involve for you?

I’m currently working on feminist translations of Baudelaire’s Les Fleurs du Mal, and I do this in addition to my full-time job. I carry a copy of the book with me, along with a pocket French-English dictionary. Instead of doing crosswords, Sudoku or Wordle, I translate poems. It feels like I’m playing a game.

How did you get your job?

During Covid, I had a lot of extra time to dedicate to writing poems and finding a publisher. I had written a few translations of Baudelaire in the past, and I’ve always wanted to translate the whole book, so when I told my publisher about doing feminist versions of Baudelaire, she was thrilled with the idea.

What motivates you in this role?

I’m motivated by my deadline (publication date 2023) and my love for the words.

Are there any future skills you will need to learn for your role?

I could certainly use more French practice. I would also like to practise some styles of longer formal poetry that I haven’t tried before — a crown of sonnets or double exposures.

What are the three most important skills required for your role?

The three most important skills required for my role are mastery of the English language, comfort with French and its rhythms, and the ability to trust myself.

What advice would you give someone interested in a career in your profession?

Reading, writing and translating poetry have saved my sanity. The chatter in my brain goes quiet when I am writing or reciting poetry. And if there is something difficult going on in my life, I can usually write it down to get it out of my head and onto the page.

An amphibrach is a grouping of three syllables where the rhythm is unstressed-stressed-unstressed, like the name Delilah.