Afterwards - by Vicente Reyes

Afterwards

after a while the grapes on the vine look ripe

ready for the plucking and the press of time

makes the sweetest wine born in a vinyard

the summer leaves of many days watched me fatten

with strong sap my insides gladdened till I almost burst with joy

in the sunlight’s flicker and I saw the sickle of a future picker

coming raising smoothly in the pruning season

I saw bundles of us seeding and useful while bleeding

my essence mingles with yours

it is the hand of God transporting a remaining signature of our ways

where the rains come while the sprout sprouts

give fine wine its measure of time

sip slowly when sounds sound like bells or sunlight is spread on bread

and you wonder if you’re ready to blossom

Vicente Reyes

April 20, 1986

Internet source: http://www.thepoetsdiary.com/

First North American Serial Rights Available

May be reprinted freely for personal review or academic discussion

Original English & Spanish translation by Vicente Reyes, all others by SYSTRAN

If you can help correct any errors in the translations please e-mail today.