My soul is in a rush
Translation of “Mi alma tiene prisa,” by Maria Andrade, Brazil 1893-1945
My friend Diego posted a poem in Spanish, “Mi alma tiene prisa”, on our WhatsApp group. I wanted to share the poem with fellow English-speaking writers and friends. However, the English versions I found on the internet, did not reflect the essence of the original intent. I decided to create my interpretation.
My soul is in a rush.
I counted my years
and discovered I have
less time to live from
now and onwards, than
I have already lived.
I feel like that little boy
with a bag of sweets
chewing hastily away.
Then, with only a few left,
he begins savoring intensely.
No more endless meetings
discussing by-laws, norms,
procedures or internal rules
only to waste precious time
without tangible results.
I have no patience to deal
with irrational people who
despite their chronological
age - have never grown up.
No, I have no time to
deal with mediocracies,
or participate in groups
parading inflated egos,
and no! I no longer tolerate
manipulators and opportunists.
We have forgotten to talk
about the content of character.
Now, we merely speak in titles.
I want the essence!
My soul is in a rush, now with
only a few sweets left in my bag.
I want to be with people,
who are human - very human.
People who can laugh
even at their own mistakes.
People who do not brag
about their past triumphs and,
people who do not proclaim
victory ahead of time.
I want people who do not
abdicate their responsibilities
but defends human dignity,
the truth, happiness,
decency, and integrity.
The essence simply is what
makes life worth the while.
I will only surround myself
with people who know how
to touch the hearts of others.
Who have grown, despite
life’s tough bruises, with only
a few soft touches to their soul.
Yes…
I am in a hurry, to
live with an intensity
that only arrives with age.
I resolve not to waste any
of the sweets left in my bag.
I realize they are more delicious
than any I have ever tasted before.
My purpose is to arrive at the
end, content and resolute.
At peace with my loved ones
and my conscience.
I hope your purpose
is similar to mine.
You will arrive nonetheless.
We have two lives.
The second starts the
moment we realize
that we only got one.