Maria de la O

For my fingers, bands of gold,

for my whims, bank notes untold.

For my curves, embroidered tresses,

woven shawls and silken dresses.

 

The moon always keeps

a loving vigil over me.

The moon always weeps

to see what’s become of me.

 

My payo is as smitten

as a spinster with a kitten,

puts more riches in my hand

than a sultan could command.

 

Stare, gitanas, stare!

You are envious of me.

Glare, gitanas, glare!

I can’t help your jealousy.

 

Play, gitanas, play,

you’ve no idea what you do.

Sway, gitanas, sway!

It is I that envy you.

 

Maria de la O,

with your man-enticing curls,

you’re the only one who knows

you’re a wretched gypsy girl.

 

I‘ve got everything I need,

yet forgotten how to laugh.

I somehow missed the seed

when I filled my hands with chaff.

 

His waist was as slender

as a young water poplar

I longed to surrender

when dancing the coplas.

 

Ugly money, dirty silver,

I’ve a thirst you’ll never slake.

I was dearly loved in Huelva,

but I spurned him for your sake.

 

Maria, shoulder your cross!

You can’t leave the path you trod.

You must struggle with your loss,

punished by God, punished by God.

 

Author's Note

payo -- the gypsy name for non-gypsies
gitanas - gypsy girls