By Jose Marti Cuba (1853-1895) Translated from the Spanish By Georgina Heredia Brandt

Andalusian Mantilla
Why dont you finish all, now that you can? Enshroud my fortunate body With your mantilla, pale Andalusian? Im not ashamed, no, that they find me With my heart nailed by your comb! You leave! Like an invisible escort, rise Over its fresh stems, to follow you My jasmines without stain and my carnations. You leave! They all leave! And you look at me, Oh pearl pure in flower, as one who throws In deep cup resinous jewel, And to your lying hands I throw myself Like to a basket of fruits a thirsty person. From the ground my spirit you lift Like the loving bird its baby chick.