THE MIND
I wanted to forget you.
More than that,
I needed to forget you.
I tried to do it.
I managed to do it.
The desire was so intense
that I overdid it.
In my brain there was a drain of neurons
and now I can't even remember other things.
I only remember
What I suffered on the day of my First Communion
with shoes (too) small.
What I suffered/ the three years of the Civil War,
What I suffered
when I learned to swim.
But I don't remember recent things . . .
Where have I put my glasses?
How forgetful I am!
I have a bad head,
(it's preferable to having a bad heart).
I'll live longer.
Although I won't remember why.
Gloria Fuertes
Translation by John C. Wilcox