Venice masks

Saturday 9 September 2023

Close to Your Heart - José María Contursi

What a horrible night I’ve had!
Everything in my room is cold.
I owe it all to you, my love:
despair and weariness.

I gave my whole life up to you
and this affection of mine—
a wounded bird that sought a warm nest
close to your heart.

Today as before
my poor eyes are left with no light,
and on my sleepless nights you alone are there
mocking my sorrow.

Today as before
I will go back to being alone…
you caused me so much pain
when, forgetting my love, you left.

Today as before
I will be wrapped in shadows once again,
and among these shadows I too shall become a shadow,
the better to remember you.

Today as before
today as before, I love you…
I will drag myself down a thousand roads
and you will live on inside of me.

José María Contursi (1911 - 1972) Argentina
Translated by Derrick Del Pilar

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