The Spirits of the Water Carry Me Off

We present this work in honor of the Chilean holiday, Navy Day.

05-21 Chihuailaf
Elicura Chihailaf
Chilean
b. 1952

 

I am old, and from a blooming tree
I look at the horizon
How many airs did I walk?
I do not know
From the other side of the sea
the setting sun
has already sent out its messengers
and I am departing to meet
my ancestors
Blue is the place where we go
The spirits of the water carry me off
step by step
Wenulewfv / the River of the Sky
is barely one small circle
in the universe

In this Dream I shall stay:
Stroke, oarsmen! In Silence
I move away
in the invisible song of life.

 

Translation by Camila Yver

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