Alfonsina Y el mar

Through the soft sand
That the sea licks
Her little footprint
Does not return
A lonely path
Of sorrow and silence arrived
To the deep water
A lonely path
Of silent sorrows arrived
To the foam.
God knows what anguish
Accompanied you
What old pains
Silenced your voice
To lay you down
Lulled by the song
Of the seashells
The song that sings
In the dark depths of the sea
The seashell.
You're leaving, Alfonsina
With your loneliness
What new poems
Did you go to seek?
An ancient voice
Of wind and salt
Breaks your soul
And is taking it
And you go there
As if in dreams
Asleep, Alfonsina
Dressed in sea.
Five little mermaids
Will take you
Through paths of seaweed
And coral
And phosphorescent
Seahorses will dance
A round by your side
And the inhabitants
Of the water will play
Soon by your side.
Lower the lamp
A little more
Let me sleep
Nurse, in peace
And if he calls
Don't tell him I'm here
Tell him Alfonsina won't return
And if he calls
Never tell him I'm here
Say that I have gone.
You're leaving, Alfonsina
With your loneliness
What new poems
Did you go to seek?
An ancient voice
Of wind and salt
Breaks your soul
And is taking it
And you go there
As if in dreams
Asleep, Alfonsina
Dressed in sea.