Speed in Decision-Making: A business lesson in the face of bureaucracy

In a world where time is as valuable a resource as capital, the ability to make decisions quickly has become a determining factor for success in business. The recent measures implemented by Donald Trump, characterized by an almost dizzying speed, stand in stark contrast to the bureaucratic sluggishness that defines the European Union (EU). This contrast not only highlights the differences between two approaches to leadership and management but also offers a critical lesson for the business world: well-considered decisions, executed swiftly, are key to seizing opportunities and staying competitive. The EU, with its cumbersome administrative machinery and endless processes, is demonstrating—almost as a case study—how bureaucracy can become the enemy of progress.
 
Since his return to the U.S. presidency, Donald Trump has rolled out a series of economic policies, such as imposing tariffs on exports from other countries. These decisions, regardless of their merits or long-term consequences, stand out for the speed with which they have been announced and set into motion. In a matter of weeks, Trump has turned campaign promises into concrete actions, sending a clear message: in a dynamic global environment, agility can be a decisive strategic advantage.
 
On the other hand, the European Union, with its 27 member states and its need for consensus, is trapped in a system that prioritizes exhaustive deliberation over immediate action. When Trump announced his tariffs, Brussels’ response was swift in only one sense: a verbal condemnation and a promise to “respond firmly.” However, European leaders have acknowledged that any countermeasure they undertake will require extensive negotiations among member states—a process that could take months or even years before translating into effective policies. This sluggishness is not new; it is an inherent feature of the EU’s structure, where decisions must pass through multiple bureaucratic filters, from the European Commission to the Council and Parliament, not to mention consultations with national governments.
 
In the business world, this dichotomy carries profound implications. The companies that succeed are those capable of carefully analyzing their options—considering risks, benefits, and available data—without becoming paralyzed in the process. Reflection is essential, but indecision is fatal. A market opportunity, such as a new customer niche or a temporary competitive edge, doesn’t wait for an organization to finish debating internally. If a company takes too long to launch a product, adjust prices, or respond to a competitor, the moment passes, and success slips away. Trump, with his direct style and readiness to act, embodies this mindset, while the EU, with its measured approach, illustrates the dangers of letting bureaucracy dictate the pace.
 
This isn’t about advocating for impulsive or poorly prepared decisions. Speed without analysis can lead to disaster, as evidenced by numerous cases of companies that have failed by rushing forward without a solid strategy. The key lies in striking a balance between rigorous evaluation and agile execution. Successful organizations establish processes that enable informed decisions within short timeframes: dedicated teams, real-time data, and a culture that values action over procrastination. In contrast, the EU shows how an excess of administrative layers and a constant quest for consensus can dilute responsiveness, leaving its businesses and citizens at a disadvantage against faster competitors.
 
Trump’s tariffs provide a perfect example. While the United States implements its measures and reshapes global trade in its favor, the EU remains mired in internal discussions about how to respond. By the time European countermeasures take effect, the economic damage may already be done, and U.S. companies could have solidified their position. In business terms, this delay would equate to losing market share or allowing a rival to leap ahead with a disruptive innovation. The lesson is clear: time is a strategic asset, and those who fail to manage it effectively will fall behind.
 
Bureaucracy, as exemplified by the EU, isn’t just a governmental problem; it also plagues many companies that, in their effort to avoid mistakes, create rigid structures and endless processes. Yet success in the 21st century belongs to those who can adapt to the pace of change. Thoughtful decisions are indispensable, but it’s the speed of their implementation that makes the difference between seizing an opportunity and regretting its loss. As Trump charges ahead at full speed, the EU serves as a reminder that, in an accelerated world, slowness isn’t just inefficiency—it’s a recipe for failure.
 

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca”: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

Learn to remember your dreams

Surely, you’ve often found yourself frustrated by your inability to recall a dream. You wake up with fleeting images in your mind and a lingering sense of pleasure it brought you, but all of that slips away at a dizzying speed. By the time you’re finishing your morning coffee, chances are you can’t remember a thing. Wouldn’t you love to be able to recall those delightful dreams—the ones we enjoy so much at night but forget the moment we wake up—in vivid detail? Well, I’m going to share a simple technique you can use to achieve just that, one that I can personally vouch for because it works.
 
When you wake up and realize you’ve just emerged from a dream into the waking world, don’t move. This is crucial because moving is like shaking off dust—it causes those memories to vanish. Let me repeat: don’t move. Instead, while you’re still relaxed in bed, focus on the last image or scene from your dream. Hold it in your mind for a few moments, and then slowly begin to rewind, as if you’re unraveling a ball of yarn. Step by step, visualize each scene of the dream in reverse order, working backward. You’ll notice how this makes it surprisingly easy to recall the entire dream. The secret lies in this simple exercise: it strengthens the neural connections that help anchor dream experiences in your memory. If you practice this every day, you’ll even find that retrieving those wonderful dream moments becomes easier and easier over time.
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

The many facets of a 19th-century village doctor

The book “Kisses are tears” rescues the biography of a village doctor, Gaspar Fisac ​​Orovio (Daimiel, Spain, 1859-1937), who stood out for his multiple facets and, above all, for his quality as a human being. Summarizing them, we can list some of the most notable:
 
PHYSICIAN - Doctor of Medicine. Official Physician and forensic doctor of Daimiel. Member of the Daimiel Local Health Board. Provincial Health Delegate for the Ciudad Real Provincial Council. Awarded by the Royal Academy of Medicine (Calvo Prize, 1905) and recognized with various distinctions at medical congresses on tuberculosis (Barcelona, 1912; San Sebastián, 1913).
 
EPIDEMIOLOGIST - A tireless scholar of the origins, prevention, and treatment of diseases, he left behind significant studies for his time on measles and tuberculosis. He discovered that the dust-laden air breathed by plasterers and lime workers, rich in calcium, immunized them against tuberculosis. Building on this hypothesis, he established the scientific foundations that would lead to the development of an innovative treatment for the disease.
 
INVENTOR - Discoverer of a preventive treatment for tuberculosis and promoter of the development of the first pharmaceutical specialty in the form of an inhaler (“Fisac Pulvi-Inhaler”), which was registered in Spain. He also invented an original device to prevent the spread of diseases during epidemic periods through stagnant water in holy water fonts.
 
JOURNALIST - A frequent writer and chronicler for the newspaper El Eco de Daimiel, where he also served as director during his brother Deogracias’s illness and after his death. He was a correspondent and contributor to articles in other newspapers of the era.
 
POET - Author of numerous poems, two of which—at least as far as is known—won awards at literary competitions in Ciudad Real. Many of his works were published in El Eco de Daimiel and other outlets.
 
PLAYWRIGHT - Author of several short theatrical pieces (“juguetes”), performed during cultural evenings at the Ayala Theater in Daimiel.
 
THEATER DIRECTOR AND ACTOR - Stage director for plays performed at the Ayala Theater in Daimiel and an actor in some of these productions.
 
ECOLOGIST - Although the term “ecology” was not coined until 1837, there had long existed a medical movement, the hygienists, who viewed disease from an “ecological” perspective, seeing it as the result of a complex interplay of environmental factors (temperature, winds, soil, etc.) and socioeconomic conditions (poverty, overcrowding, working conditions, etc.). Gaspar Fisac’s scientific works provide ample evidence of this approach.
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:

“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

The real size of Greenland: Clearing up myths and confusion

Greenland, that vast expanse of ice and tundra at the northernmost edge of the planet, has caused confusion for centuries due to its representation on maps. If you’ve ever looked at a traditional world map, you’ve likely noticed that Greenland appears to be of an enormous size, even comparable to continents like Africa or South America. However, this is a cartographic illusion, an inevitable distortion that occurs when transferring the surface of a sphere—the Earth—onto a two-dimensional plane. In this article, we will explore the true size of Greenland, how it compares to other countries, and address the intriguing debate about whether it is truly a single island or two hidden beneath its ice sheet.
 
Map distortion: The problem with the Mercator projection
 
Most world maps we are familiar with use the Mercator projection, developed in the 16th century by cartographer Gerardus Mercator. This projection was designed to aid maritime navigation, as it preserves angles and allows for straight-line routes. However, it has a significant flaw: it distorts the size of landmasses, especially near the poles. The farther you move from the equator, the greater the exaggeration. This is why Greenland and Antarctica appear massive, while equatorial regions like Africa seem smaller than they actually are.
 
In a Mercator map, Greenland might appear as large as Africa, but the reality is quite different. Africa spans approximately 30.37 million square kilometers, while Greenland covers only 2,166,086 square kilometers. This means Africa is about 14 times larger than Greenland. The distortion is so extreme that, on some maps, Greenland seems to rival South America (17.84 million km²), when in reality, it is much smaller.
 
The real size of Greenland and comparisons with other countries
 
With its 2.16 million square kilometers, Greenland is undoubtedly a massive island—the largest in the world, in fact—but its true size comes into perspective when compared to other countries. For example:
 
Australia: At 7.69 million km², it is more than three times larger than Greenland, though it is often considered a continent rather than an island.
 
United States: At 9.83 million km² (including Alaska and Hawaii), it is nearly five times larger.
 
Mexico: At 1.96 million km², it is very similar in size to Greenland, though slightly smaller.
 
Spain: At just 505,990 km², it could fit into Greenland about four times.
These comparisons show that, while Greenland is vast, it doesn’t come close to the continental giants that traditional maps might lead us to believe. Its location near the North Pole amplifies its apparent size, but in real terms, it is a fraction of what the most common projections suggest.
 
One island or two? The mystery beneath the ice
 
Another fascinating aspect of Greenland is its geological nature, which has also fueled debates. Approximately 80% of its surface is covered by a thick ice sheet, known as the Greenland Ice Sheet, which in some areas reaches a thickness of 3 kilometers. This ice sheet conceals much of the underlying terrain, leading to speculation about whether Greenland is truly a single landmass or several separate islands connected by ice.
 
Recent geophysical studies, using technologies such as ice-penetrating radar and gravitational models, have revealed that beneath the ice sheet, Greenland is indeed a single island in geological terms. While there are deep depressions and valleys, there is no conclusive evidence that the bedrock is divided into two or more independent landmasses that would emerge if the ice were to melt completely. However, the thickness of the ice and the pressure it exerts have deformed the terrain, creating a complex topography that can lead to misunderstandings.
 
In a hypothetical scenario where all the ice melted, Greenland would still be a single island, though its habitable surface would be much smaller than its total size suggests. Much of its interior is depressed due to the weight of the ice, and the idea that Greenland consists of two islands remains more of a myth than a scientific reality.
 
In summary, Greenland is a place of superlatives: the largest island in the world, almost entirely covered by ice, and a cartographic enigma that has puzzled generations. Its real size, 2.16 million square kilometers, places it far below the continents it appears to rival on maps, but it remains impressive compared to many countries.
 
The next time you look at a world map, remember that what you see is an interpretation, not reality, and that Greenland, though vast, occupies a much more modest place in the global landscape than its distorted image might suggest.
 
In the image, the real size of the countries (in red) is shown compared to the size they typically appear on maps (in blue).
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0 

On the subject of the Dodo

When we’re born, they put us in diapers popularly known as “dodotis” (a term derived from the brand that introduced them: Dodot). Perhaps it’s a subtle foreshadowing of what awaits us in the future: extinction, much like the dodo (see the image of that charming yet foolish bird). Just like the dodo, we all pass through this life, leaving behind only a faint memory that fades with time.
 
I recently heard a line from an old movie that struck me: the truly valuable thing isn’t what we do or what we own, but the kind memory others keep of us. Well, in that way, we’re not so different from the dodo either—a creature so gentle, so naive, that it ended up in the stomachs of all sorts of diners.
 
There’s no escaping it. No way out. All we can do is waddle through life cheerfully and clumsily, savoring the moment and bringing joy to others along the way—and later, through their memories of us. Until, inevitably, the last faint flicker of that memory dies out in this tiny, forgotten corner of the universe.
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

When humanism reigned in Medicine

Speaking of medicine and humanism in medicine (how little of it remains today!), it's fitting to recall the life of one of those 19th-century doctors who exemplified what a good doctor should be. Reading the book "Kisses are tears" opens the door to that not-so-distant, yet almost forgotten, past...
 
First, let us say that Gaspar Fisac Orovio (Daimiel, Spain, 1,859 – 1,937) was a distinguished physician of his time. Though he served as a municipal doctor in a small town in La Mancha before moving to Ciudad Real Hospital, he earned professional recognition and prestige not only for his selflessness and dedication to his patients—always treating them with a humane and approachable demeanor, so rare today—but also for his discoveries. Through his research on tuberculosis, he developed the first recorded preventive and curative treatment for the disease in Spain. His expertise with numerous epidemics—cholera, typhus, measles, and more—enabled him to establish a series of hygiene and sanitation measures to curb their spread. His, then, was a life that saved many lives.
 
Second, we turn to his work as a journalist. He began by contributing to a newspaper founded by his brother, later taking over its direction when his sibling’s health declined. That newspaper, El Eco de Daimiel, became the best-selling publication in Ciudad Real, its influence reaching far beyond to other corners of Spain. Though it ran for just over five years, it produced 445 issues. From its pages, it championed ideals of democracy and justice, as well as a steadfast defense of the healthcare and journalistic professions.
 
Third, we explore his role as a poet. Though he never published a book—poetry being, for him, a hobby—he left behind a significant body of compositions that deserve a place in Spanish literature of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Evidence of this lies in the awards two of his works received at literary contests. This passion also led him to write, direct, and even perform in small theatrical pieces.
 
As we see, his was a multifaceted, active, and fascinating life—one I hope will spark the interest of many readers. Yet, for me, the facet that stands out is none of these—not the physician, the journalist, nor the poet—but rather his quality as a human being. For what is the worth of our time on this earth if no one, not even our family and friends, remembers us with affection? In his case, it was not only his loved ones who held him dear, but all who knew him and all the patients he treated—taking time for them, caring about their worries and struggles, and helping them however he could. That is the highest praise one can offer any person: that they were a good human being. There is no greater distinction, even if, as in his case, he advanced medicine, pioneered journalism, and excelled as an unsung poet.
 

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

The five senses deceive us

We often trust that what we see, hear, touch, smell, or taste is reality, but the five senses we rely on so heavily are not as dependable as we think. They frequently deceive us. Nothing is truly as it seems—not even when our senses insist it is. 
 
Here’s how each of them can betray us: 
 
Sight Deceives Us
Look at the image accompanying this post: it appears to move, yet it’s a static image. Optical illusions like this show how easily our vision—and our perception of reality—can be misled. But the most surprising thing is that it's not a spiral, but rather concentric circles. Check it out!
 
Touch Deceives Us
Touch can also be deceptive. Try lightly touching an object’s surface (without discerning its shape) while blocking your other senses. You’ll find it challenging to identify what it is. Without the aid of sight or other senses, touch alone leaves us disoriented. 
 
Taste Deceives Us
Taste is no exception. For instance, have you ever had vanilla ice cream? You might think so, but you’d be mistaken. Vanilla isn’t a flavor—it’s an aroma. Yet our brain interprets it as a taste, completely fooling us. 
 
Smell Deceives Us
Smell may be the easiest sense to trick. Enter a room with a strong scent: after a few minutes, you’ll stop noticing it. The smell hasn’t disappeared—it’s an illusion. Your olfactory nerve cells become saturated and stop sending signals to your brain. Or try smelling a flower or perfume for an extended period: the scent will seem to fade, even though it remains just as strong as it was initially. 
 
Hearing Deceives Us
Auditory illusions are rarer but no less striking. A fascinating example is the Shepard Scale, discovered by psychologist Roger Shepard. It consists of a tone that repeats at intervals, yet our brain interprets it as continuously rising. You can hear this illusion on YouTube (for example, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jU1emIwaZc ). Listen to it several times: you’ll be convinced it’s an ascending scale, even though it’s the same tone repeated unchanged. To confirm, pause the audio, wait a moment, and play it again; you’ll notice the tone hasn’t shifted. But without pauses, your hearing will trick you into perceiving a rise. 
 
In short, none of our senses are entirely reliable. They remind us that our perception of the world isn’t always the truth but rather an interpretation—one that can easily be distorted. 
 

A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca”: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

Kisses are tears

This book revives the story of the Spanish doctor Gaspar Fisac Orovio (1859–1937, Daimiel, Ciudad Real), encompassing not only his personal journey and the rural milieu of his time but also his research, contributions to medicine, and passion for journalism, poetry, and theater. Alongside him stands the brief, intense, and tragic life of his brother Deogracias, a pharmacist, politician, and journalist who founded the newspaper El Eco de Daimiel (1885–1890), which Gaspar took over after Deogracias’s death.
 
Across five comprehensive chapters—“The Man,” “The Brother,” “The Doctor,” “The Journalist,” and “The Poet”—readers will be astonished by the medical practices of that era and the pioneering initiatives of these two brothers.
 
A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century.
 
Amazon: eBook and print edition.
 
A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

The strategic importance of Greenland and its relevance to world peace

Greenland, the world’s largest island, located at the northern tip of the Atlantic Ocean, has emerged as a focal point in modern geopolitics due to its strategic position, abundant natural resources, and potential to influence the global balance of power. Although it is currently an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty, its significance extends far beyond the borders of this small Nordic kingdom. In a world marked by competition among major powers such as the United States, Russia, and China, U.S. control over Greenland could play a pivotal role in promoting stability and world peace. This article explores the reasons behind its strategic relevance and argues why its integration under the American flag could benefit the global order.
 
An unmatched strategic location
 
Greenland’s geographic position makes it an invaluable asset. Situated between North America and Europe, with privileged access to the Arctic, the island serves as a natural bridge between two continents and a critical vantage point in a region gaining importance due to climate change. The melting of Arctic ice has opened new maritime routes, such as the Northwest Passage, which could revolutionize global trade by significantly reducing transit times between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Controlling Greenland means holding an advantage in overseeing and protecting these routes, granting considerable influence over international commerce.
 
Moreover, from a military perspective, Greenland is a critical enclave. During the Cold War, the United States recognized this value by establishing the Thule Air Base, which remains an essential component of the missile defense and surveillance systems for the Northern Hemisphere. In today’s context, where Russia has intensified its military presence in the Arctic and China seeks to expand its influence in the region, U.S. control of Greenland would bolster the West’s ability to counter these ambitions and maintain a balance of power that discourages conflict escalation.
 
Natural resources and their impact on global security
 
Greenland’s strategic importance is not limited to its location—it also lies in its resources. The island is home to vast reserves of rare earth minerals, essential for modern technology, such as neodymium and dysprosium, which are used in manufacturing batteries, wind turbines, and electronic devices. In a world increasingly reliant on these raw materials, control of Greenland could ensure a stable supply for the United States and its allies, reducing vulnerability to monopolies held by other powers, such as China, which currently dominates the rare earth market.
 
Additionally, the potential for hydrocarbons and fishing in its territorial waters further enhances its economic value. If these resources were managed under U.S. administration, they could benefit not only the global economy but also the Greenlandic population, fostering sustainable development that strengthens regional stability.
 
Greenland under U.S. control: A pillar for world peace
 
Greenland’s affiliation with the United States could be a decisive factor in fostering world peace for several reasons. First, it would solidify the presence of a democratic power in the Arctic, countering the ambitions of authoritarian regimes that might seek to exploit the region aggressively or destabilize it. While not without its critics, U.S. doctrine has historically prioritized stability and the maintenance of a rules-based international order, which could translate into responsible management of Arctic interests.
 
Second, U.S. control would reduce tensions stemming from competition over Greenland. In 2019, then-President Donald Trump’s proposal to purchase the island sparked controversy but also highlighted Washington’s strategic interest. If Greenland were formally integrated into the United States, with the consent of its population and Denmark, it would eliminate uncertainty about its future, preventing it from becoming a flashpoint among rival powers.

Finally, Greenland’s incorporation into the United States could serve as a model for international cooperation. By ensuring the autonomy and well-being of Greenlanders, Washington could demonstrate that its leadership seeks not only self-interest but also collective progress, bolstering confidence in a global system guided by democratic values.
 
In fact, Greenland is far more than a frozen landmass in the planet’s north—it is a geopolitical linchpin that could shape the course of the 21st century. Its location, resources, and military potential make it a coveted asset in an ever-changing world. If the United States were to assume control, with an approach that respects the will of Greenlanders and promotes international cooperation, the island could become a stronghold of stability and world peace. In a scenario where the Arctic emerges as the next major theater of global competition, Greenland’s affiliation with the United States would not only provide a strategic advantage but also represent a step toward a safer, more balanced international order.

A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0

Four books in English

From the extensive bibliography of journalist and communicator Vicente Fisac, a fourth title has just been translated into English: "Kisses are Tears" (in the Spanish version, it is titled "Médico, periodista y poeta").
 
Thus, the following titles are now available in English. We have attached links where you can find more information about each one:
 
A well-documented exploration of Medicine, Pharmacy, and rural society in the 19th century through two biographies that should not be forgotten:
“Kisses are tears”: https://a.co/d/eCok2Y0
 
An enthralling story of love, friendship and honor in the Olympic Games (2,600 years ago)
“Life debt”: https://a.co/d/hono34C
 
A journey through the history of the pharmaceutical industry and one of its great laboratories that had its origins in Alfred Nobel...
“From Alfred Nobel to AstraZeneca”: https://a.co/d/9svRTuI

A chance encounter will take him far away, on a thrilling adventure full of action and emotion that will change his life... but also the lives of everyone around him…
“Fleeing into silence”: https://a.co/d/7SUfVb3

Who might "Miss D.C." have been?

(Sunday Poetry Corner) Who was "Miss D.C."? We’ll never know, for the author of this poem left us many years ago. What has endured, beyond his memory, are these verses, rescued from oblivion and included in the book Doctor, Journalist, and Poet, which chronicles the life and work of a doctor "of the old kind"—one of those who, above being "doctors," were "human beings," who listened to their patients, gave them all the time they needed, comforted them, and even healed them. Nowadays, doctors only think of prescribing something to cure the patient and get them out of the way.
But let us turn to this unknown poem. This poetic composition was written on April 22, 1890, and published in issue 453 of El Eco de Daimiel on September 10, 1890. It consists of three parts: an introduction, a serenade, and a farewell.
 
TO MISS D.C.
 
INTRODUCTION
 
I forgive your tender whim,
and in fulfilling it, I take pride,
you wish your brother to draw
from his lyre a gentle song;
and that it cross through the skies,
where the note grows wide and free,
the pure echo of La Mancha
to the Andalusian sea. 
 
I don’t mind if they resound,
the songs of my humble lyre,
for though simple, their tones
have been known to inspire;
what I fear is failing to find
a note worthy and refined
to sing of the sultana
who deigns my song to hear. 
 
But if in you, who blend
beauty with such grace and sense,
you find some sweetness
as my verse you apprehend,
I’ll raise my head with pride,
boastful of my humble deed,
and though small I may feel,
great I’ll be in thought and deed. 
 
And if I don’t reach the glory
of your cherished praise, my goal,
I wish to die in the embrace
of this noble banner’s fold;
and in the strings, now asleep,
of a dusty, broken harp,
let no further note escape
beyond my final song so sharp. 
 
For it’s enough, fair lady,
to claim this tender feat,
to occupy your thoughts
for a moment, brief and sweet;
and if I fall, cast down
to oblivion’s deep abyss,
to lie at your feet, surrendered,
is to rise in falling’s kiss. 
 
Over Córdoba there looms
Sierra Morena’s shadowed veil,
a rustic melody echoes
with a murmur strange and frail;
the Guadalquivir whispers,
with its ripples pure as glass,
the wild serenade
of your shadowed troubadour, alas. 
 
SERENADE
 
I am the spirit at your gates
who sings with joy a thousand tunes,
the night’s deep secret I enfold,
a treasure to young maidens bold;
their charm, their talisman I claim,
their joys and sorrows I embrace,
I know them all, I make them mine,
their longing, their heart’s ardent flame. 
I moan in waters murmuring low,
I fill the fields with shadowed gleams,
I race in breezes, drunk with dreams,
I weave in the air a thousand themes;
I whistle in reeds, I hum in the wind,
I trill in branches, roar in the seas;
and as warm vapors rise to the skies,
my breath ascends, expands, and flies,
it weaves a mantle of silver and blue,
and settling, forms a cloud so true—
a pearl of heaven, a veil of sun,
an angel’s nest, a cherub’s bloom,
a fount of light, a living flame. 
Through me the nightingales sing,
through me the doves softly coo,
through me the fields with flowers spring,
their colors bright, their scents anew;
the sighs, the dreams, the tender gaze
that kindles warmth in every space,
go with the kiss of winds that play,
sleep in the pollen that sparks the day;
through me the hours swiftly glide,
I am your slave, I am love’s tide. 
 
FAREWELL
 
You’ve heard my tender song, dear one,
but do not close your balcony yet,
the final chords still linger here
upon the strings I softly set;
you who enslave love’s ardent fire,
don’t pamper it with tender care,
for love’s a child, wild and free,
not meant for coddling’s gentle snare. 
 
Let it play within the braids
of your golden tresses fair,
let it dwell in the radiant gleams
of your eyes, so bright and rare;
but if its intoxicating light
pours joy into your gaze so wide,
keep your soul so tightly sealed
that it cannot feel love’s tide. 
 
For if, alas, you sigh for it
and give your soul entire,
that traitor steals your peace away,
its slave you’ll soon aspire;
your sovereign beauty cannot be
a captive to such tender plea…
The sky remains forever high!
A woman’s ever an angel nigh! 
 
If love’s degrees are passion’s blaze
and madness in its fiery core,
innocence stands as a shield
against that hellish tempest’s roar;
and woman finds her refuge sweet
in virtue’s shade, a friend so kind,
that cools the burning sting of sin,
the venom love leaves far behind. 
 
Over Córdoba there looms
Sierra Morena’s shadowed veil,
a rustic melody echoes
with a murmur strange and frail;
the Guadalquivir whispers,
with its ripples pure as glass,
the wild serenade
of your shadowed troubadour, alas. 
 

An enthralling story of love, friendship and honor in the Olympic Games (2,600 years ago)
“Life debt”: https://a.co/d/hono34C