Poems
A Tribute to My Town
When I remember the days that saw my early childhood spent on the green shores of a murmurous lagoon; when I remember the coolness, delicious and refreshing, that on my face I felt as I heard Favonius croon;
when I behold the white lily swell to the wind’s impulsion, and that tempestuous element meekly asleep on the sand; when I inhale the dear intoxicating essence the flowers exude when dawn is smiling on the land;
sadly, sadly I recall your visage, precious childhood, which an affectionate mother made beautiful and bright;
I recall a simple town, my comfort, joy and cradle, beside a balmy lake, the seat of my delight.
Ah, yes, my awkward foot explored your sombre woodlands, and on the banks of your rivers in frolic I took part.
I prayed in your rustic temple, a child, with a child’s devotion; and your unsullied breeze exhilarated my heart.
The Creator I saw in the grandeur of your age-old forests; upon your bosom, sorrows were ever unknown to me; while at your azure skies
I gazed, neither love nor tenderness failed me, for in nature lay my felicity.
Tender childhood, beautiful town, rich fountain of rejoicing and of harmonious music that drove away all pain: return to this heart of mine, return my gracious hours, return as the birds return when flowers spring again!
But O goodbye! May the Spirit of Good, a loving gift-giver, keep watch eternally over your peace, your joy, your sleep!
For you, my fervent pryers; for you, my constant desire to learn; and I pray heaven your innocence to keep!
Memories of My Town
When I recall the days
That saw my childhood of yore
Beside the verdant shore
Of a murmuring lagoon;
When I remember the sighs
Of the breeze that on my brow
Sweet and caressing did blow
With coolness full of delight;
When I look at the lily white
Fills up with air violent
And the stormy element
On
When I remember the days that saw my early childhood spent on the green shores of a murmurous lagoon; when I remember the coolness, delicious and refreshing, that on my face I felt as I heard Favonius croon;
when I behold the white lily swell to the wind’s impulsion, and that tempestuous element meekly asleep on the sand; when I inhale the dear intoxicating essence the flowers exude when dawn is smiling on the land;
sadly, sadly I recall your visage, precious childhood, which an affectionate mother made beautiful and bright;
I recall a simple town, my comfort, joy and cradle, beside a balmy lake, the seat of my delight.
Ah, yes, my awkward foot explored your sombre woodlands, and on the banks of your rivers in frolic I took part.
I prayed in your rustic temple, a child, with a child’s devotion; and your unsullied breeze exhilarated my heart.
The Creator I saw in the grandeur of your age-old forests; upon your bosom, sorrows were ever unknown to me; while at your azure skies
I gazed, neither love nor tenderness failed me, for in nature lay my felicity.
Tender childhood, beautiful town, rich fountain of rejoicing and of harmonious music that drove away all pain: return to this heart of mine, return my gracious hours, return as the birds return when flowers spring again!
But O goodbye! May the Spirit of Good, a loving gift-giver, keep watch eternally over your peace, your joy, your sleep!
For you, my fervent pryers; for you, my constant desire to learn; and I pray heaven your innocence to keep!
Memories of My Town
When I recall the days
That saw my childhood of yore
Beside the verdant shore
Of a murmuring lagoon;
When I remember the sighs
Of the breeze that on my brow
Sweet and caressing did blow
With coolness full of delight;
When I look at the lily white
Fills up with air violent
And the stormy element
On