THE CYPRESS OF SILOS

Upright geyser of shade and slumber,
Who piques the sky with its spear.
A gushing spurt that all but reaches the stars
Unwinding in wild abandon.

Mast of solitude, an island wonder,
An arrow of faith, a dart of hope,
Today I come to you, to the banks of Arlanza,
A chance pilgrim, my rudderless soul.

When I saw your lonely, tender, firm frame,
I felt my anguish dissipate,
And ascend, like you, crystal-sheathed,

Like you, black tower of daunting blades,
A paragon of vertical delirium,
Mute cypress in the fervor of Silos.