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, in your loving breast,
you see extinguished
the passionate flame of our love—
knowing that life is dear to me only for you—
the day you are gone, I will tear my life away.
For my mind, filled with this tenderness
that in a blissful hour made me your slave,
is, far from your eyes, as sad as a child
who falls asleep dreaming of your lullaby voice.
To wrap you in kisses, I wish I were the wind,
and long to be everything your hand touches—
to be your smile, even your very breath,
so I might be closer to your lips.
I live on your words, and eternally I await
to call you mine, like one who longs for treasure.
Far from you, I understand how deeply I love you,
and kissing your letters, I weep without guile.
Forgive me if I have no words
to tell of the ineffable passion that consumes me.
To express my love, all that remains
is to tear open my chest, beloved,
and in your silken hands place
my palpitating 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.