Carol of the five vowels

Aquí llegan, Niño, las cinco vocales, sencillas y claras como unos pañales. De tanto mirarte, de tanto admirar, con la boca abierta se queda la A. Para que le vuelvas tus ojos, la E desde su ventana te tira un clavel. Porque quiere siempre mirar hacia Tí, su punto redondo te entrega la I. Nunca como ahora le dolió a la O que su forma sea para decir no. De rodillas pide llenar de tu luz su pequeño cuenco vacío la U. Escucha, Cordero; las cinco vocales te ofrecen los niños su voz en pañales.

They’re coming, Child Jesus, right now, the five vowels, as simple and faultless and fresh as clean towels. Admiring, abased, awed by You, I may say, A’s gaping, blank-faced, and stays always that way. E’s presents she’ll send You: she’s sweet, yes she’s tender. They’ll speed from her window, deep red: she’s the sender. I’s thinking is right, since this gifting’s his wish: fixing You in his sight, gives his pip, in a dish. Poor O now knows sorrow unknown long ago: her form’s what folk borrow whose motto is No. U could not be humbler: U humbly trusts You will illumine his tumbler *ut luceas Tu*. So, Lamb of God, listen: their gift’s the five vowels: sweet voices of children, as fresh as clean towels.