2 de Abril (Poema)

Adrian Maggi's "2 de Abril (Poema)" is a poignant reflection on the impact of the Falklands War (known as the Guerra de las Malvinas in Argentina) on the Argentine people, particularly the younger generation. The song is structured as a narrative, recounting the events of a school day following April 2nd, the day when Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands in 1982, leading to a brief but intense conflict with the United Kingdom.

The lyrics begin with a typical school morning, where students rush to avoid being late. The narrative quickly shifts to a classroom scene where the students are asked to present their homework on the significance of April 2nd. One by one, they read their tributes, until Gustavo Maciel, a boy from a dairy farming family, admits he has not completed the assignment. His confession leads to a tense moment, revealing that his brother died in the conflict, which explains his inability to approach the assignment like his peers. This revelation prompts the teacher to erase the failing grade he initially gave Gustavo, recognizing the deep personal loss the boy has suffered.

The song concludes with a broader reflection on the cost of war, questioning the justification of dying for land and urging remembrance of the innocent lives lost. Maggi's lyrics serve as a reminder of the lasting scars of war on a nation's psyche, especially on the youth who inherit the consequences of such historical events. The song is a tribute to those who died and a call for reflection on the true costs of conflict.