Lingua Franca

Original Jarchas from SPN 401

By Kristine Doll, WLC

Jarchas (kharjas) are brief poetic jewels dating as far back as the 9th century.  They are the first poems written in Romance and appeared as the final verses of longer poems written in Arabic or Hebrew.  Jarchas are characterized by notes of desire, longing and sensuality.  Written by men in the voices of women who long for the return of their beloved ones, jarchas are poignant glimpses into the emotional realm of men and women in early Spain.

Here are just a few selections of original jarchas written by students of this semester’s undergraduate (SPN401) class in Spanish literature.

Mio sido habibi,
mi cuerpo anhela la calidez de tu cuerpo
y tu vocecita que incita emociones salvajes.
Desesperada, tengo que aguantar más
porque todavía tienes cinco meses más en Afganistan.

-Guillermo Morales

Las estrellas alumbran tu cara,
Tú eres mi alma
que alumbra mi camino.
Tu eres mío sidi

-Genesis Perez

Baldeo
Os pinto la escenita:
Agua que nadie bebe
Corazón de arenita
Y mis sueños de fiebre

-Rachel Schmied

Todo lo que veo son nubes,
nubes de azafrán ante mis ojos
y sin poder verte, mi habib.

– Alicia Vizuet