Jose Maria de Heredia

22 November 1842 - 3 October 1905 / Fortuna Cafeyere

The Slave

All wretched, shocking, nude, with vilest fare,
Such slave am I - my body bears the signs -
Born free at foot of gulf whose beauteous lines
See honeyed Hybla his blue summits rear.

Alas! I left the happy isleā€¦. Ah! shouldst thou e'er
Toward Syracuse and bees and clustering vines
Follow the swans as winter's cold declines,
Good host, acquaint thee with my loved dear.

Shall I see more her dark, pure, violet eye
Reflecting smilingly her natal sky
Beneath that eyebrow's bow where hearts are slain?

Have pity! - Find my Clearista, pray;
Tell her I live to meet her once again;
Thou'lt surely know her, for she's sad alway.
96 Total read