Barrio Sur
Alfredo Zitarrosa
South Neighborhood
(Vidalita song)
Sparrow that lulls a dream,
late afternoon falling on the cats,
humble attic light, old South Neighborhood.
Twilight of wine, worn-out courtyards and pain,
you smell like the river, South Neighborhood.
Place of me that no one occupies
geranium sprouting in a hallway,
I am born again in each of your children, South Neighborhood.
Narrow corners, face painted on a blue moon,
murga groups walk forever loving you
and drumming for you.
Neighborhood of the cemetery,
lost dogs and silence
through your yellow streetlights pass reminding me of your love
your children and your dead,
your sad yacumenzas,
every night my own heart.
