translated by Sarah Arvio

To find a kiss of yours

what would I give

A kiss that strayed from your lips

dead to love

My lips taste

the dirt of shadows     

To gaze at your dark eyes

what would I give

Dawns of rainbow garnet  

fanning open before God— 

The stars blinded them

one morning in May

And to kiss your pure thighs

what would I give

Raw rose crystal  

sediment of the sun

*

[Por encontrar un beso tuyo]

Por encontrar un beso tuyo,

¿qué daría yo?

¡Un beso errante de tu boca

muerta para el amor!

(Tierra de sombra

come mi boca.)

Por contemplar tus ojos negros,

¿qué daría yo?

¡Auroras  de carbunclos irisados

abiertas frente a Dios!

(Las estrellas los cegaron

una mañana de mayo.)

Y por besar tus muslos castos,

¿qué daría yo?

(Cristal de rosa primitiva,

sedimento de sol.)

For thee the sun doth daily rise, and set

Behind the curtain of the hills of sleep, 

And my soul, passing through the nether deep, 

Broods on thy love, and never can forget. 

For thee the garlands of the wood are wet, 

For thee the daisies up the meadow’s sweep

Stir in the sidelong light, and for thee weep

The drooping ferns above the violet. 

For thee the labour of my studious ease

I ply with hope, for thee all pleasures please, 

Thy sweetness doth the bread of sorrow leaven; 

And from thy noble lips and heart of gold

I drink the comfort of the faiths of old, 

Any thy perfection is my proof of heaven.