By Nieves Xenes, 1859 – 1915, Cuba.
Anonymous
No siento del amor la honda tortura
cuando contemplo con tenaz fijeza
la rara perfección de su cabeza
y su cuerpo de helénica escultura.
Como imprimiendo a su gentil figura
sello de augusta y varonil nobleza,
en su mirar de fúlgida limpieza
la luz del pensamiento no fulgura.
Al contemplarlo sin afán ni anhelo
de un artista inmortal digno modelo,
su belleza magnífica que encanta
sólo en mi alma a despertar acierta
la admiración tranquila que despierta
la belleza del bruto o de la plata.
Anonymous
I don’t sense the tortured depths of love
when I contemplate with studied gaze
the rare perfection of your head
and your body, that Hellenic sculpture.
As if, printed in your genteel figure
sealed with august and manly nobility,
in your bright clear gaze,
the light of thought never shines.
As I contemplate it without pain or desire,
worthy model of an immortal artist,
your magnificent beauty, so enchanting,
only manages to inspire in my soul
the calm admiration sparked
by the beauty of a brute or of silver.