Oh, Sinamaica!
Oh, Sinamaica! How to describe you
Caribbean maiden with indigenous features
Princess of the lake
Spoiled daughter of the sun’s rays
Oh, Sinamaica! How to describe you
Lady of a full head of palms
There I go, traversing your skin
Color of the dunes
Admiring your salt mine smile
An exotic india is what you are, Karouya
Oh, Sinamaica! How to describe you
Royal governess of the waters
The lake
El Río Limón
Caimare Chico. . .
The entire sea surrenders its respect to you
In front of the sea
Paraguaipoa poses in front of the sea
Striking and beautiful
Walking barefoot along the shore
She captivates the waters with her smile
The gold in her eyes
Lost in matrimony
To the royal figure of San José,
Morena Princess
Committed to your people
Favored out of all the maidens
Charitable and hospitable lady
Who welcomes all travelers
With a mother’s gentleness
I have seen them arrive from Maicao
From the frantic Mariban city
To rest in her gentle lap
Beloved Paraguaipoa
Chosen by Galicians
You always saw
Your velvet sunrise
Ancestral gift
Descending from the Great Mother and the Great Father
Grandson of the earth and the sea
I am the Firstborn Son of Juya
Honored by my ancestors
With the gift of the word
To carry around the world
The magic of our Great Nation
I am the Jima`ai of Poetry,
Crowned with crystal waters
And dressed in golden dunes.
My roots begin in Castilletes
And end in El Río Limón,
I embrace the virginal stillness
Of Sinamaica’s lake
Because I am blood of Apañakai;
My destiny consists of intertwining
—through celestial songs—
The mystic añu
And the wayuu essence.
Guajira
I carry your name, palpable through my eyes
Ka’i gave me tanned skin
To represent you anywhere
El Río Limón runs in my veins
Keeping me anchored to this land
“Guajira of Charms and Beauty”
It’s best I can’t describe you.
Paths through masterly landscapes
Succumb to your silhouette
I am fortunate,
For having grown in your virgin womb
For drinking from Juya’s ancestral fountains.
Many verses I must write to you
Indigenous queen of the tropics
Beloved wife of the Caribbean
Knit my poems with golden threads
Knit them like a susu!
Although I am more inspired
If you dance with me, el Yonna.
Guajiro twilight
Arid Land in fine print,
Under your starry skies
Camps the magic of Mma.
Fertile Land,
Where Juya’s miraculous rain
Does not stop.
Oh, guajiro twilight!
My eyes are captivated when I look at you.
Peninsula of Brave Natives
Your beaches shine
In the burning light of the sun
Land of Cocoteros and Cardones
Ma`leiwa blesses you with masterful awards
Oh, guajiro twilight!
My eyes are captivated when I look at you.
From Sinamaico to Cojoro
The twilight bids farewell with golden goodbyes
Leaving slowly, to the sounds of the birds
And its resounding song.
Oh, guajiro twilight!
My eyes are captivated when I look at you.
Translated by Jonathan Cukla
