Alfonsina y el Mar

The song "Alfonsina y el Mar," performed by Zizi Possi, is a poignant tribute to the Argentine poet Alfonsina Storni, who tragically ended her life by walking into the sea. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of her final journey, using the imagery of the sea and nature to convey a sense of peace and solitude. The opening lines describe the soft sand and the sea's gentle caress, symbolizing the poet's final steps and the permanence of her departure. The path of "pena y silencio" (sorrow and silence) reflects the emotional burden she carried, leading her to the depths of the ocean.

The song delves into the emotional turmoil that accompanied Alfonsina, hinting at the "angustia" (anguish) and "dolores viejos" (old pains) that her voice concealed. The sea becomes a metaphor for her final resting place, where she is cradled by the "canto de las caracolas marinas" (song of the sea shells). This imagery suggests a return to nature, where her soul finds solace and eternal rest. The recurring theme of the sea and its inhabitants, like the "sirenitas" (little mermaids) and "caballos marinos" (seahorses), adds a mythical quality to her departure, transforming her tragic end into a serene and dreamlike journey.

The song also touches on themes of solitude and the search for new inspiration, as Alfonsina is depicted as seeking "poemas nuevos" (new poems) in her final moments. The "voz antigua de viento y de sal" (ancient voice of wind and salt) symbolizes the timeless call of the sea, drawing her away from the world. The repeated plea to "bájame la lámpara" (lower the lamp) and the request for peace suggest a desire for rest and escape from the pain of life. Ultimately, "Alfonsina y el Mar" is a moving homage to a poet who sought refuge in the sea, capturing the beauty and tragedy of her final act.