RITORNELO
“This rose petal was a witness”
of something that if it was not love,
no other love would ever be.
This rose petal was a witness
of when I last had you!
The day I no longer know
—well, I know, but I won’t say—.
This rose petal was a witness.
From your lips I heard indeed
the sweetest of all melodies.
This rose petal was a witness:
all of you was gaily smiling!
all that I ever dreamt of you
that moment I had at last...
This rose petal was a witness.
In your eyes where night was present
that night I go ship-wrecked!
This rose petal was a witness.
I held your body in my arms,
then I was between your arms,
then I found a warmer shelter...
This rose petal was a witness.
I kissed your lovely mouth
where gaiety always frolicked!
This rose petal was a witness
of your loving agony
when I fully enjoyed love
for the first time with you!
This rose petal was a witness.
“This rose petal was a witness”
of something that if it was not love,
no other love would ever be.
This rose petal was a witness
of the moment you were mine!
The day I no longer know
—well, I know, but I won’t say—.
This rose petal was a witness.
1935
León de Greiff
Translated by Jaime Tello
Biblioteca Virtual Luis Ángel Arango: http://www.lablaa.org/blaavirtual/literatura/antolo/antol38.htm