Young Love

I’m not a poet, but I like poems. I have a poetry book that I’ve kept over the years, and I treasure it very much. It was given to me on 16 March 2002 by a great man. Even though he is no longer with us, his words and love still touch our spirits years after he departed this earth to enrich the lives of others in heaven. His name is Pedro Rodríguez Miranda, my grandfather-in-law. He published this book in 2001, and it contains 80 poems written over his long and well-lived life. The book was dedicated, first and foremost, to his wife, Ángela Vidal González—his high school sweetheart and eternal love—and to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The first poem in his book is titled “Poema del Amor Joven / Young Love” and was written in July 1953 while serving in the Marine Corps at Parris Island, South Carolina. His poems are in Spanish, and even though it is hard to translate the essence of his words into English, with the help of his beautiful granddaughter (my wife), we did our best, and our hope is that his words will endure.

Poema del Amor Joven

Eres joven, amor, y es joven mi cariño;
Somos los dos iguales, cual pétalo de un lirio,
Blanco como la nieva, puro, tierno, y sencillo,
Temprano, mañanero, siempre fresco y castizo.

Eres joven, amor, y es joven mi cariño.
Este amor que es tan dulce, inmenso y verdadero,
Será siempre infinito, porque es amor eterno.
Y al repasar el tiempo…
Cuando tengamos hijos y seamos ya viejos,
Aunque parezca incierto, mi amor aún sera niño.

Eres joven, amor, y es joven mi cariño…

Parris Island, S.C.
Julio del 1953
Young Love

You are young, love, and young is my affection;
We are equals, like petals of a lily,
White as snow, pure, tender, and simple,
Precocious, early, always fresh and genuine.

You are young, love, and young is my affection;
This love is so sweet, immense, and true,
It will always be infinite, for it is eternal love.
And looking back over time…
When we have children and grow old,
Though it may seem uncertain, my love will still be young.

You are young, love, and young is my affection…

Parris Island, SC
July 1953

About the Author:

Pedro Rodríguez Miranda was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, on 22 February 1930. He completed his primary and secondary education in Puerto Rico before moving to New York City to attend college when the Korean War started. He joined the Marine Corps and served four years, completing his enlistment and receiving an honorable discharge. After his service, he returned to New York City and attended college, receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation, he worked for the city until 1965 when he returned to Puerto Rico. He worked as a high school teacher in Aguadilla and completed his second Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez.

49 thoughts on “Young Love”

    1. Thank you for reading and feedback. It’s good to step outside the comfort zone once in a while, but not too far, as this is a piece of history in my mind. Honoring him was a pleasure, and we plan to publish more of his work to keep his legacy alive.

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  7. What a beautiful tribute to love and legacy! Your grandfather-in-law’s words resonate across time, capturing the essence of youthful affection with such eloquence. It’s remarkable how love, like his poetry, transcends generations, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. Thank you for sharing this touching piece of family history.

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          1. Hahahahahaha, better start now for VD and surprise your wife.
            Don’t think just write.. this one is free for your vote.. hahahahahaha❣️
            I don’t follow rules or grammar as you can see but David does.

            The love of my life and my children’s too
            blessed are we when I first laid eyes on you
            You gave my life meaning and filled holes
            while darning my socks.
            You’re the cream in my coffee,
            the sun in my universe and
            I thank my lucky stars
            to share this communion with you.
            I love you❣️

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