Voy a Dormir, I'm Going to Sleep, by Alfonsina Storni, English Translation

Alfonsina Storni's commemorative stamp, "Women in History" collection, Republica Argentina, 1967

I'm going to sleep

Teeth of petals, cap of dew,
hands of herbs, you dear, sweet nursemaid,
prepare for me the earthly sheets
and the quilt of carded moss.

I’m going to sleep, my nursemaid, lay me down.
Put a lamp on the nightstand for me;
or a constellation, whatever you like;
both are fine; lower it a bit.

Leave me by myself: hear the buds breaking…
rocked by a heavenly foot from above,
and a bird draws curves before you 

as to forget… Thank you. Oh, a favor:
if he calls again
tell him not to insist, that I have left…

Translation in English by LiteraryJoint, Copyright © LiteraryJoint by Alessandro Baruffi  

Original text in Spanish:

Voy a dormir

Dientes de flores, cofia de rocío,
manos de hierbas, tú, nodriza fina,
tenme prestas las sábanas terrosas
y el edredón de musgos escardados.

Voy a dormir, nodriza mía, acuéstame.
Ponme una lámpara a la cabecera;
una constelación; la que te guste;
todas son buenas; bájala un poquito.

Déjame sola: oyes romper los brotes...
te acuna un pie celeste desde arriba
y un pájaro te traza unos compases

para que olvides... Gracias. Ah, un encargo:
si él llama nuevamente por teléfono
le dices que no insista, que he salido...

Alfonsina Storni, Mar del Plata, October 1938.