In my Spanish Lit class we were given the assignment of writing our own rodeo, like Martí's "Versos Sencillos," telling where we were from, if we had faith, if we've suffered, and basically what we get out of life. I was rather partial to mine - the translation is as follows:

I am a distinct young woman
from neighborhoods without distinction,
with names that I can't remember
although I have always remembered mine.

I have no faith in incense or statues,
or what might come to pass in incomprehensible places -
I only believe in my mind, my eyes and hands,
in the sun and its horizon, in the rich earth.

Have I suffered? Yes, certainly,
and with violence and sincerity, but
the only thing I've learned from suffering
is that I am not to suffer.

Some live like clocks,
firm and predictable and
terrified of the moment
when their mechanisms choke;

and perhaps I would be the same
if I had the time,
but I am too
busy with love and wonder -

I can't dwell on anything
more than life.
The sun is in my eye,
blinding me to darkness.

**

This is the original Spanish version (in case anyone would like to check over my grammar!!):

Soy una muchacha distinta
de vecindarios sin distinctión,
con nombres que no puedo recordar,
aunque siempre he recordado lo mía.

No tengo fe en incienso u estatuas,
o lo que pasen en lugares incomprensibles;
solamente creo en mi mente, mis ojos y manos,
en el sol y su horizonte, en la tierra rica.

¿He sufrido? Sí, con certeza,
y con violencia y sinceridad, pero
la única cosa que he aprendido de sufrimiento
es que yo no he de sufrir.

Algunos viven como relojes,
firmes y predecibles y
aterrorizados del momento
cuando ahogan sus mecanismos;

Y quizá sería el mismo
si tuviera el tiempo,
pero estoy demasiado
preocupada con amor y asombro –

No puedo pensar en algo
más que la vida.
El sol está en el ojo,
cegándome a la oscuridad.

Elizabeth, you are ridiculously talented. I took spanish for three years, but finally quit taking it. I'm sure Michael could help you if you even have any grammar mistakes.