“MOTHER, ONLY ONE”

by Leonel Menéndez Álvarez

Translation by Raúl de Cárdenas and Al Lento

Mother, only one

That for love her body was transformed

In her womb for many months carried you

And from her breast-fed you many more.

Mother, only one

That watches you at night while you sleep

That your life filled with affection

And like a lioness protected her cubs.

Mother, only one

Friend, companion, sister and much more

A voice of no falsehood

And your defects knew how to forgive

Mother, only one

Looking in her eyes you will find

Your roots, your entrails, your truth

And a love likes no other one.

Mother, only one

That by the passing of time you will remember

That her image will always be

As vivid as a God in the altar.