A Verse for You


Continuing with our series featuring poems by Pedro Rodríguez Miranda, my grandfather-in-law. Today, I’m sharing his ninth poem titled “A Verse for You”.

Un Verso Para Ti

Pedí a Minerva, diosa de la sabiduría,
Unos versos para vuestro deleite,
Y díjome minerva, toda filosofía:
“Dad de lo que tenéis,” y así me advierte:
“Coged el color del mar, el rumor de la fuente cristalina,
El arrullo del viento, la alegría,
Y el canto del ave peregrina;
Coged la luz del alba, la armonía
De las almas silentes del Señor;
Agrupa esta verdad en prosa fina
Y tendrás tu poesía.”

Es el color del mar, mi dulce niña,
Inconstante como el primer amor,
El rumor de la fuente cristalina, como el postrer adiós.
Es el arrullo del viento como el rumor de besos;
La alegría sois vos… y yo,
Y el canto del ave peregrina: vuestra voz. 
¿Y que es la luz del alba?: Lo futuro,
Es la luz del Señor, es la niñez del día;
Es la hora de empezar la labor.
La armonía es la paz, tranquilidad humana;
Es el amor al prójimo, como Él lo mandó; 
Es la hermandad de todo el Universo,
De todas las naciones, es el temor a Dios. 
A Verse For You

I asked Minerva, goddess of wisdom, 
For some verses for your delight, 
And Minerva, all philosophy, told me: 
"Give what you have," and thus she advises me: 
"Take the color of the sea, the murmur of the crystalline fountain, 
The whisper of the wind, the joy, 
And the song of the wandering bird; 
Take the light of dawn, the harmony 
Of the silent souls of the Lord; 
Group this truth in fine prose 
And you will have your poetry.”

It’s the color of the sea, my sweet girl, 
Inconstant like first love, 
The murmur of the crystalline fountain, like the last goodbye. 
The whisper of the wind is like the murmur of kisses; 
The joy is you... and me, 
And the song of the wandering bird: your voice. 
And what is the light of dawn? The future, 
It is the light of the Lord, it is the childhood of the day; 
It is the time to begin the work. 
Harmony is peace, human tranquility; 
It is love for one's neighbor, as He commanded; 
It is the unity of the entire Universe, 
Of all nations, it is the fear of God.

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
8. Sad Christmas

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.

51 thoughts on “A Verse for You”

  18. I Agree with Laura .

    Beautiful tribute to your in-laws. Thank you for honoring them by sharing their lovely poetry with us.

    Blessings to you and your family.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

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