Thursday, July 7, 2011

Maiden of the Azores

                   I knew you loved me, how would I ignore

When I spied you behind the house embracing

My white starched dress

vibrating against the sky,

My innocent joy deepened

The blues of heaven and sea.

I didn’t tell you out of shame that day

That the damned priest ransacked the chapel

And my honour

From the terrace to the port

I glimpsed the white sails that were taking you away

The boat spattering foam like fine tears.

A lifetime has passed, my friend,

Since I surrendered you to the Americas.

But I still ask myself

What would have happened had I not been so proud,

I ask myself and I answer myself

It is better thus, that you remember me a maiden.

Translated from the Spanish

                                                                                                                                                   Antonia Baranov

2 comments:

  1. I don't understand why there are no comments on this lovely, complex poem. I loved it dear lady, the emotions came out of every word x

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  2. it's delicate to use a patient;s story but impossible for her identity to be betrayed. I don't even know ifpeople read my poems let alone comment! Do not fret for me, my friend. Antonia

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