2. Brown Skin

Brown Skin

I know I’m lovely though my skin is brown—

dark like the tents of Kedar is my face.

I work outside all day until sundown.

My brothers think that I am a disgrace.

Don’t stare at me! I’m darkened by the sun.

They made me care for vineyards every day.

My vineyard I neglected—yes, my own!

I long for him to take me far away.

Tell me, my dearest love, where do you go

to graze your flock of sheep in pastures green?

Where do you rest your flock? I want to know.

Please take me to your meadow, most serene.

Why should I be a woman veiled who wends

and wanders midst the flocks of all your friends?

(Ch. 1:5-7)

The Girl with a Coin (Girl of Galicia), Bartolome Esteban Murillo, 1650

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