Translation:The Black Heralds (1918)/Embers

by César Vallejo

For Domingo Parra del Riego

I will declare for Tilia, in the tragedy,
my verses in plentiful bunches;
Each melodious fruit will bleed,
like a funerary sun, lugubrious wines.
Tilia will hold the cross
that in the final hour will be made of light!

I’ll ignite for Tilia, in the tragedy,
the drop of clamor on my lips;
and the lip, in parting for the kiss,
will break in a hundred sacred petals.
Tilia will hold the dagger,
the floricidal and auroral dagger!

Now in the shadow, heroine, untouched and martyrly,
you’ll reach for Life below your feet;
while, praying my verses, you keep vigil over
my head, like a darkly blood-stained host!
And from a lily, ravenous,
Like a virus, you’ll drink my blood!