While the waves enkindled by the kiss of light all palpitate,
While the sun adorns the broken clouds with robes of fire and gold ;
While the air bears harmonies and perfumes in its ample lap.
While there is a spring to glad the worlds there will be poetry !
While Science strives in vain to find the origin of life,
And in the sea or sky remains unsounded one abyss ;
While mankind advancing ever knows not whither trend his steps,
While there is a mystery for man, there will be poetry !
While we feel the soul rejoicing with no laughter from the lips ;
While we feel the soul lamenting with no tears to cloud the eye ;
http://www.poemhunter.com/gustavo-adolfo-becquer/
In Rhymes (Rhyme 21) Becquer wrote one of the most famous poems in the Spanish language. The poem can be read as a response to a lover who asked what was poetry:
¿Qué es poesía?, dices mientras clavas
en mi pupila tu pupila azul.
¡Qué es poesía! ¿Y tú me lo preguntas?
Poesía... eres tú.
A rough translation into English reads:
What is poetry? you ask, while fixing
your blue pupil on mine.
What is poetry! And you're asking me'?
Poetry... is you.
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