Manos Karastefanes
La muerte se llevó a mi padre.
El mismo año (yo tenía doce)
la madre de Thanási me enseñó
el cielo y el infierno.
Ninguno de mis amigos del ejército
me llamaba por mi nombre—
yo era ‘Estilo’ o ‘A la moda’.
Tenía un amigo, mi cuerpo,
y tardes en el gimnasio.
luchando con mi oponente,
que usaba para aislarme
de él.
El doctor salvó mi rodilla.
Tu viniste a la clínica
trayendo Guerra y Paz,
mejor que cualquier película.
¿Por qué sonríes?
Luché limpio, luché bien,
sin lastimar a mi oponente,
para ganar este cinturón negro.
¿Por qué estás callado?
Te traje un queso blanco
de mi isla, y el sonido del mar
en una concha.
James Merril, New York, 1926- Tucson, 1995
Versión © Silvia Camerotto
Manos Karastefanes
Death took my father.
The same year (I was twelve)
Thanási's mother taught me
Heaven and hell.
None of my army buddies
Called me by name—
Just 'Styles' or 'Fashion Plate'.
One friend I had, my body,
And, evenings at the gym
Contending with another,
Used it to isolate
Myself from him.
The doctor saved my knee.
You came to the clinic
Bringing War and Peace,
Better than any movie.
Why are you smiling?
I fought fair, I fought well,
Not hurting my opponent,
To win this black belt.
Why are you silent?
I've brought you a white cheese
From my island, and the sea's
Voice in a shell.
The same year (I was twelve)
Thanási's mother taught me
Heaven and hell.
None of my army buddies
Called me by name—
Just 'Styles' or 'Fashion Plate'.
One friend I had, my body,
And, evenings at the gym
Contending with another,
Used it to isolate
Myself from him.
The doctor saved my knee.
You came to the clinic
Bringing War and Peace,
Better than any movie.
Why are you smiling?
I fought fair, I fought well,
Not hurting my opponent,
To win this black belt.
Why are you silent?
I've brought you a white cheese
From my island, and the sea's
Voice in a shell.
