| from RIMAS I, del LIBRO DE LOS GORRIONES II |
ARROW FLYING THRU THE HEAVENS ... |
| Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer | trans. James H. Donalson |
|
Saeta que voladora cruza arrojada al azar, sin adivinarse dónde temblando se clavará hoja que del árbol seca arrebata el vendaval, sin que nadie acierte el surco donde a caer volverá gigante ola que el viento riza y empuja en el mar, y rueda y pasa, y no sabe qué playa buscando va; luz que en cercos temblorosos brilla, próxima a expirar, ignorándose cuál de ellos el último brillará: eso soy yo, que al acaso cruzo el mundo, sin pensar de dónde vengo, ni adónde mis pasos me llevarán. |
Arrow flying thru the heavens shot off and crossing by chance, no one ever ventures guesses where it will tremblingly fall; withered leaf of autumn forest battered by southerly blast, no one knowing in which hollow it will happen soon to fall; giant wave the wind and weather twists and tosses out at sea, rolling, passing, never knowing on what beach it comes to fall; light of wisps or vibrant haloes shining, but only to fade, not knowing which of their number will shine on the last of all: such am I, perhaps by hazard crossing the earth come what may, never knowing whence nor whither my steps carry me today. |
Click here 2 for another translation of this poem.
Trans. copyright © James H. Donalson 2003