Los potros

José Euctasio Rivera

 

Atropellados por la Pampa suelta

los raudos potros en febril disputa.

hacen silbar sobre la sorda ruta

los huracanes en su crin revuelta.

 

Atrás dejando la llanura envuelta

en Polvo, alargan la cerviz enjuta

Y a su carrera retumbante y bruta

cimbran los pinos y la palma esbelta.

 

Ya cuando cruzan el austral peñasco

vibra un relincho por las altas rocas;

entonces paran el triunfante casco,

 

respolan roncos, ante el sol violento

Y alzando en grupo las cabezas locas

Oyen llegar el retrasado viento.

 

This poem by the Colombian poet and lawyer José Rivera (best known for his national epic, La vorágine, or The Vortex) is featured on Wrestle with the Angel in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15.

“Los potros” (“The Colts”) describes a hurricane as a herd of swift young horses. They leave the land in the dust of their wake, vibrate the high rocks with their whinnies, and toss their “crazy heads.” Their triumphant advance is prevented only by the “violent sun.” The poet says of their defeated snorts, “Come hear the wind delayed.”