A few of the poems from my book “Entre domingo y domingo” were published last month in “Jai-Alai Magazine.” Since “Jai Alai” is a multi-lingual literary review based in Miami, they were interested in publishing the poems in both English and Spanish. It was the first time I translated my own work and thoroughly enjoyed the (challenging) experience. Thanks, “Jai Alai”!
Below is “Sunday 3,” translated from its original form in Spanish, which is also included below.
Sunday 3 (in 3 parts)
In small cities
the value of the theft
ceases to matter:
1.
9:56 a.m.
I sit up and consider
that I feel well.
Not last night’s call,
nor today’s
matter;
I am going for a run.
10:02 a.m.
It cannot matter;
I feel good.
I plan to go for a run.
10:16 a.m.
Almost.
2.
11:30 a.m.
On seventh and eighty second,
two sons of bitches
steal my phone.
A man
with a perfect Labrador
chases behind.
11:32 a.m.
I keep running—
now
in silence.
11:43 a.m.
I allow myself to be overcharged
for three ripe avocados
that I plan
to take to my grandmother.
11:55 a.m.
I buy tampons,
give away the change.
12:03 p.m.
I get home with one key,
three avocados,
a box of tampons,
and a pair of headphones
that will have to be given
away.
12:36 p.m.
Bathed,
I consider
my theft
as overcome.
3.
8:35 p.m.
You call and we’ve become complicated.
You call late,
one entire day.
8:36 p.m.
I tell you about the theft
so you will love me.
8:35 p.m.
More.
——
Domingo 3 (en 3 partes)
En ciudades pequeñas
deja de importar
el valor del robo:
9:56 a. m.
Me siento y pienso
que me siento bien.
Ni la llamada de anoche,
ni la de hoy
importan;
voy a salir a trotar.
10:02 a. m.
No puede importar;
me siento bien.
Pienso salir a trotar.
10:16 a. m.
Ya casi.
11:30 a. m.
En la séptima con ochenta y dos,
dos hijos de puta
me roban el celular.
Un señor
con un Labrador perfecto
corre detrás.
11:32 a. m.
Yo sigo trotando—
ahora
en silencio.
11:43 a. m.
Me dejo cobrar demasiado
por tres aguacates maduros
que le pienso
llevar a mi abuela.
11:55 a. m.
Compro tampones,
regalo las vueltas.
12:03 p. m.
Llego a mi casa con una llave,
tres aguacates,
una caja de tampones,
y un par de audífonos
que tocará
regalar.
12:36 p. m.
Ya bañada
considero
que mi robo
está superado.
3.
8:35 p. m.
Llamas y nos hemos complicado.
Llamas tarde,
un día entero.
8:36 p. m.
Te cuento del robo
para que me quieras.
8:35 p. m.
Más.
Thank you Cindy, you are too kind!
Good
Congratulations and so well deserved!