You Arrived

In our series featuring the poetry of Pedro Rodríguez Miranda, my grandfather-in-law, today I’m presenting his tenth poem, “You Arrived.” 

Llegaste

He vagado por el mundo, miserable
Víctima del amor, desesperado;
He llorado en la cruz de la impaciencia
La vil traición del ser que había adorado.

Pero llegaste tú, te había esperado,
Diosa de la bonda y el amor dulce;
Y curastes la herida que en mi pecho
Produjo aquel amor abyecto.

Tu cariño libé, triste, desesperado,
Báculo del dolor de mi cansancio;
Y vi en tus ojos el ser que yo llorando,
Deseé conocer para ahogar mí pasado.

Hoy tu pasión cual rosa de verano,
Quitó a mi pecho la cruz de mi calvario;
Perfumó mi camino desolado,
Y creí en tu querer, que es muy sagrado.

Hoy la luna y el sol, y hasta los pájaros,
Las flores del jardín, el viento, el agua,
Copartícipes son de mi alegría;
Y pasarán los años…
Mas mi amor siempre joven,
Más y más te ira amando.

Enero 1951
You Arrived

I have wandered the world, miserable 
Victim of love, desperate; 
I have cried on the cross of impatience 
The vile betrayal of the one I had adored.

But you arrived, I had been waiting for you, 
Goddess of kindness and sweet love; 
And you healed the wound in my chest 
Caused by that abject love.

I drank your affection, sad, desperate, 
Staff of pain for my weariness; 
And I saw in your eyes the being I, crying, 
Wished to know to drown my past.

Today your passion, like a summer rose, 
Removed the cross of my calvary from my chest; 
Perfumed my desolate path, 
And I believed in your love, which is very sacred.

Today the moon and the sun, and even the birds, 
The flowers of the garden, the wind, the water, 
Are participants in my joy; 
And the years will pass… 
But my love, always young, 
Will love you more and more.

January 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
8. Sad Christmas
9. A Verse for You

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.

46 thoughts on “You Arrived”

  7. Oh my, Edward. What a gift you have…I’m sure I can’t begin to comprehend the reverence you must feel when you’re translating his words. Amazing. And this? …”moon and the sun, and even the birds,
    The flowers of the garden, the wind, the water” as participants in his joy? So lovely! 🥰

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  8. It is truly exceptional poetry, skillfully composed, and emotionally pure, speaking straight to the heart of the reader. It is an honor to be able to read it, and it is wonderful of you to share these gorgeous translations with us!

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  9. Amazing poetry, as always! Beautiful, touching expression, truly from the depths of his heart. Thank you, Edward, for allowing us to have such wonderful jewels. Blessings and light to you, my friend!

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    1. Thank you so much, Jane. We’re doing the best we can. Translation is always difficult, especially for poems. He used very sophisticated words that I had to look up in the Spanish dictionary, so I’m learning a lot in the process.

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  14. A personal devotion for one, a treasure for his family, and a gift for the world. The title alone is breathtaking. Thank you for translating and sharing Miranda’s gorgeous poetry. 💞

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