City of Literature Slemani, Iraq, took the initiative to ask all Cities of Literature to translate the poem “From the Start” by W.S. Merwin for International Translation Day.

International Translation Day is meant as an opportunity to pay tribute to the work of language professionals — and brings nations together, facilitates dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, and contributes to developing and strengthening world peace and security.

Leeuwarden City of Literature asked poet Syds Wiersma to translate the poem by W.S. Merwin.