Translated to English by Richard Gabela on April 20, 2024, from the original work “El alma en los labios” by Medardo Ángel Silva (1898-1919) of Guayaquil, Ecuador. I have translated the title of the poem as “My Soul on My Lips.”
My Soul on My Lips
When you see the passionate flame of our love
extinguished within your loving breast,
knowing only for you is life dear to me,
the day you are gone, I will end my own life.
For my thoughts, steeped in this deep affection
which made me your slave during that joyous hour,
away from your gaze, are as desolate as a child
who falls asleep dreaming of your soothing voice.
To shower you with kisses, I yearn to be the wind,
and long to become everything your hand touches.
To be your smile, to be even your very breath,
just to be nearer to your lips.
I live on your words and forever await
to call you mine, like one who seeks a treasure.
Away from you, I truly understand how much I love you,
and weeping over your letters, I tenderly miss you.
Forgive me if I lack the words to convey
the ineffable passion that consumes me.
To show my love, all I can do
is to tear open my chest, beloved, and into your silken hands
lay my throbbing heart that adores you.
Translator’s Notes: “My Soul on My Lips” by Medardo Ángel Silva, a poignant reflection on love, longing, and passion, is a masterpiece of Ecuadorian modernism by one of the most revered poets of the ‘Generación decapitada’ [Decapitated Generation]. Born in 1898, Silva’s poetic genius emerged at a young age, with his works capturing profound simplicity and emotional depth. This translation carefully preserves the enjambments used throughout the original poem, maintaining its lyrical flow and the seamless continuity of intense emotions. Silva’s death at 21 under mysterious and debated circumstances adds a haunting resonance to his poetry, which continues to be celebrated in Ecuador, notably through its adaptation into song by Julio Jaramillo. His legacy endures, making “My Soul on My Lips” a timeless reflection of enduring human feelings.
Original Spanish Version
El alma en los labios
Cuando de nuestro amor, la llama apasionada,
dentro tu pecho amante contemples extinguida,
que solo por ti la vida me es amada,
el día en que me faltes me arrancaré la vida.
Porque mi pensamiento, lleno de este cariño,
que en una hora feliz me hiciera esclavo tuyo,
lejos de tus pupilas es triste como un niño,
que se duerme soñando en tu acento de arrullo.
Para envolverte en besos, quisiera ser el viento,
y quisiera ser todo lo que tu mano toca.
Ser tu sonrisa, ser hasta tu mismo aliento,
para poder estar mas cerca de tu boca.
Vivo de tus palabras y eternamente espero
llamarte mía, como quien espera un tesoro;
lejos de ti comprendo, lo mucho que te quiero,
y besando tus cartas, ingenuamente te lloro,
Perdona si no tengo palabras con que pueda
decirte la inefable pasión que me devora.
Para expresar mi amor solamente me queda
rasgarme el pecho, amada, y en tus manos de seda
dejar mi palpitante, corazón que te adora.