Miriñaque

Let's turn back the calendar
and remind them of 1910,
when ladies wore crinoline
and covered themselves from neck to feet.
When my dad grew sideburns,
when the mustache gave a gentlemanly look,
when pants were worn with braids,
high collars and plastron ties.

Where are they, where have they gone
my beloved times?
Where are the cart drivers
from the sand port?
Where is my Barrio Norte?
Where is Peppo the singer,
the Resero, La Tablada,
the Rosarino Taboada,
where are those who took them?
Yesterday's time that
rolled and got lost
just like the suissé
just like the pernod,
Where could they be?
They will sing to you, they will cry for you
even as I do.

When couples sat three meters apart,
the phonograph was in fashion before the dial,
when in Victoria people strolled downtown,
there was only one tramway line.
Although it may seem like a comedy what I think
and they criticize me for being who I am,
with all pride I stick to my times,
even if they force me to live at today's pace!