la monja gitana :: english

translated text  // texto traducido

copyright // derechos de autor :: b. a. lederle
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Translator's preface:
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In a lime and myrtle silence,
a weed among fine herbs,
the nun sews wallflowers
around a straw-colored cloth.
                                 Above in the grey chandelier                               5
fly seven geometric birds.
The church creaks in the distance,
like an upside-down bear.
Look how well she sews! With such grace!
                                 Around the straw-colored cloth                          10
she’d rather sew
flowers of her own liking.
What a sunflower! What a magnolia -
both made from sequins and yarn.
                                 The detailed saffron and moons,                        15
sewed in the garment - how beautiful!
Five grapefruits sit sweetening
close to the kitchen.
The five wounds of Christ,
                                            cut in Almería.                                         20
And out of her eyes the nun sees
two riders galloping by.
A babble of voices, final yet muffled
pushes her habit away from her,
                    and, upon seeing the clouds and the mountains               25
in the harsh remoteness beyond,
her sugar and herb heart
breaks.
Oh, what a magnificent plain
                                     drenched with twenty suns!                            30
What rivers standing up
in sight of her dreams!
But she continues with her flowers,
while the sun, in the breeze,
                                        plays a game of chess                                  35
high in the heavens.
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Wallflower