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