Manuel Mantero, "Last Words of Manuel Mantero"

[trans. by Betty Jean Craige, University of Georgia,

in New Songs for the Ruins of Spain, published by Bucknell University Press, 1986]

There was a time when I believed

in many gods

(the whitest statues gave

permanent testimony among the green).

Then I believed in one god

(hanging from three nails he promised

eternal May and love, love, love).

Today I believe in no god.

Yet . . .

Yet life is a story without end. Be born,

for the gods are being born again,

from you, from me,

as the storm begins.

*********************************************

"Ultimas palabras de Manuel Mantero"

Hubo un tiempo en que en varios dioses

creí

(blanquísimas estatuas daban

testimonio durable entre lo verde).

Después creí en un dios

(desde tres clavos prometía eterno

mayo y amor, amor, amor).

Hoy en ningún dios creo.

Sin embargo . . .

Sin embargo, la vida

es una historia sin final. Naced,

porque de nuevo están naciendo

de vosotros, de mí, los dioses

cuando la tempestad ha comenzado.

---

The content and opinions expressed on this Web page do not necessarily reflect the views of nor are they endorsed by the University of Georgia or the University System of Georgia.

---