Gertrudis de Avellaneda

1814-1873 / Cuba

On Parting

Pearl of the Sea! Star of the West!
Beautiful Cuba! Your brilliant sky
Is covered by Night's opaque veil,
As my brow is by the pain enveloping it.

I am leaving! The diligent seamen
The sails have raised that soon will tear me
From my native land; and as they unfurl
The winds of the Torrid Zone wait on them.

Farewell, my happy country, beloved Eden!
Where'er the Fates in their fury shall cast me,
Your sweet name shall be like flattery in my ear.

Farewell! ... The swollen sails are rustling,
The anchor is raised ... the ship, convulsed,
Ploughs the waves, flying silently.
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