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Alfonsina Storni

One of Latin America’s most widely-read poets, Alfonsina Storni inspired a popular song, “Alfonsina,” and gained a legendary status. She was born in Sala Capriasca, Switzerland on May 29, 1892, to Alfonso Storni and Paula

Running Water

by Alfonsina Storni (1892–1938)

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16

Yes, I move, I live, I wander astray—

Water running, intermingling, over the sands.

I know the passionate pleasure of motion;

I taste the forests; I touch strange lands.

Yes, I move—perhaps I am seeking

Storms, suns, dawns, a place to hide.

What are you doing here, pale and polished—

You, the stone in the path of the tide?

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