[Julie Steiner]

Salvador Rueda (Spain, 1857–1933)
Coplas 1–3

DRAFT B

1.
Like the almond tree in flower,
you’ll face hardships. When an awesome
wallop shakes you with its power,
just release a rain of blossom.

2.
Before my coffin’s lid is set —
all across my body, be a
dear and fling this coverlet:
your Sevillan lace mantilla.

3.
I drop a piece of glass and find
a thousand pieces shattered there.
I try to wipe you from my mind
and now I see you everywhere.


DRAFT A

1.
Like the almond tree in flower,
you’ll face hardships. If an awesome
blow arrives with shocking power,
just release a rain of blossom.

2.
Before my coffin’s lid is set,
all across my body, be a
dear and fling this coverlet —
your Sevillan lace mantilla.

3.
I drop a piece of glass, and find
a thousand pieces shattered there.
I try to rid you from my mind,
and now I see you everywhere.


SPANISH ORIGINALS, LITERAL ENGLISH PROSE CRIBS

1.
Como el almendro florido           Like the blooming almond tree
has de ser con los rigores,           you have to be/coexist with rigors;
si un rudo golpe recibes           if you receive a brutal blow,
suelta una lluvia de flores.           release a rain of flowers.

2.
Antes que el sepulturero           Before the grave-digger
haya cerrado mi caja,           has closed my casket,
echa sobre el cuerpo mío           throw over my body
tu mantilla sevillana.           your Sevillan mantilla.

3.
Tiro un cristal contra el suelo           I throw/drop a windowpane against the ground
y se rompe en mil cristales,           and it breaks into a thousand windowpanes,
quiero borrarte del pecho           I want to wipe you from my chest/feelings
y te miro en todas partes.           and I see/face you in all places.