Sad Christmas

In our ongoing series spotlighting poems by Pedro Rodríguez Miranda, my grandfather-in-law. Today, I’m sharing his eighth poem titled “Sad Christmas”.

Triste Navidad

Navidad…
Noche blanca cual fantasma que envenena,
Noche triste, nivéa noche…
Lúgubres cantos de las almas sin goces,
Almas que encierran muy profundo
Mil reproches…

Soledad… Ausencia…
Cual lentas cataratas invernales,
Las lágrimas se asoman a los ojos de mi alma,
Que padece, que suspira, que clama con fervor la calma…
Y no llega, y no llega..! A calmar estas frías
Tempestades en mi alma.

Nueva York
Diciembre 1951
Sad Christmas

Christmas…
White night like a ghost that poisons,
Sad night, snowy night...
Lugubrious songs of joyless souls,
Souls that harbor deep within
A thousand reproaches…

Solitude… Absence…
Like slow winter waterfalls,
Tears appear in the eyes of my soul,
Who suffers, who sighs, who fervently cries out for calm...
And it doesn't come, and it doesn't come...! To calm these cold
Storms in my soul.

New York
December 1951

Translated by Edward Ortiz
Previous Poems:
1. Young Love
2. To Jelly
3. Message of Love
4. Subtle Dream
5. Honeymoon Journey
6. That is Love
7. Nostalgia

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.

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