Ruta 76

Buenos Aires route 76
path once traveled,
through the pampas of Catriel

heading to short willow, to visit
rich Indians from the window
and chiefs from Cura Malal

for some it's the past
for others it's tradition
corral of stones I have raised
where to embitter my blood

on your muddy banks,
route 76

that rises in Sierra Chica
and dies in Lopez Lecube
towards the bay
that was white, once

there in the sands of Chacico
forts where the gaucho by decree, faded away

today the face of Roca,
on the hundred peso bills
and your deserted trail
awakens, in me the banished
braves who today
don't listen or respond

Buenos Aires route 76
I'm singing to you
and you're waiting for me
because I must walk, to reach
the mountainous corner of national pride

for some it's the past
for others it's tradition
corral of stones I have raised
where to embitter my blood
on your muddy banks,
route 76