this is no city of ultimate bliss*,
though the traffic is backed up to kingdom come
and the streets are a scrimmage, full and rough,
teeming with feral bits of hope and hunger
the people here are virtuous though,
ripe with love for one another, for Christ and music
hear the music winding, insinuating
and tumbling from la iglesia y las casas
the rents are morbidly obese, don’t you know?
though the wages and hours are skeletal
too often along B Street and downtown,
a man begs a cigarette, a woman begs for lunch
Are you in the huts of the poor, consoling the
Broken-hearted with the sweetness of your soul, and
Filling their hands with your bounty?
A Lover’s Call, Khalil Gibran
*****
esto no es una parte de la ciudad que está feliz
el tráfico es interminable y ruidoso y crudo
y las calles son una áspera, llena ~
lleno de esperanza salvaje y hambres profundas
la gente aquí es virtuoso, con buenos corazónes
madura con amor por el otro, para Cristo y la música
escuchar la música, que insinutes, una cascada ~
fluye de la iglesia y las casas
los alquileres son obesos mórbidos, ¿no lo sabes?
aunque los salarios y las horas son esquelético
a menudo a lo largo de la calle “B” y el centro de la ciudad
un hombre pide un cigarrillo, una mujer pide luncha
If I really screwed up on the translation and you’re burning to let me know, you can leave comment in Letters to the Editor. Thank you!
This is what inspired the poem:
© 2016, poem, translation and photographs, Jamie Dedes, All rights reserved
A wonderful post in both English and Spanish. I am not an expert but grew up with Spanish on my father’s side and I know my father would be pleased to read what you have written in both languages.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Renee. Let me know what he thinks of my poor Spanish. I’m working on it, that’s why sometimes I post in both languages. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will see him in November when I visit in CA. I will make a note to have him read this. If I am understanding correctly the Bezine accepts writing from one’s blog site? I am considering on your latest call to submission.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Where in California?
LikeLike
LA area in Downey. He will be 93 this year. I might have told you my brother, now gone, lived in San Francisco.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! I was going to say I could meet you someplace for coffee, but LA is too far. LOL! I hope you have a good visit.
LikeLike
Yes, it is, and I would certainly meet you if I could. Thanks! LOL
LikeLiked by 1 person
Submitted something to the Bezine after much consideration. Be well Jamie.
LikeLiked by 1 person