It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything in Spanish, so I’m doing so today. I love to write in another language from time to time- I find that it frees me up to express thoughts differently than I would in English, and the stylistic influences that hold sway over the work are different as well. (If you speak Spanish- or even if you don’t- and you’ve never read Pablo Neruda, I would highly recommend him to you) As always, I’ve posted a loose translation beneath the original, which, as always, sadly loses a portion of the meaning when translated. Enjoy.
Si Tuve
Si tuve un poder
Sería la habilidad apretarte en mis brazos
Si tuve una espada
Conquistaría a tus enemigos, y guardarte del peligro
Si tuve una barca
Viajaríamos dónde tu querías
Si tuve una mente
La usaría aprender a amarte
Si tuve una corazón
Creo que no podría entenderlo
Porque ha sido roto tantos veces
Que tartamudea cuando habla
Y sus intenciones no siempre están claros
Lo claro es tus ojos
Reflejando la imágen de un hombre vagabundo
Un viajador que ha perdido, llorado, y caído
Cada día de nuevo
Pero repites que tu me amas
Y te creo
Si tuve un nombre
Sería tuyo
If
If I could have any power
I would have the ability to hold you
If I had a sword
I would beat back your enemies, and keep you from harm
If I had a ship
We would go wherever your heart desired
If I had a mind
I would use it to learn how to love you
If I had a heart
I don’t think I would be able to understand it
See, it’s been broken a lot
And now it stutters when it speaks
It’s intentions aren’t always clear
What’s clear is your eyes
Reflecting the image of a world-weary man
A wanderer who has lost, and mourned, and fallen
Every day anew
Yet you tell me again that you love me
And I believe you
If I had a name
It would be yours
A New Perspective 