Veterano

Angola was just a strange name to me
In the geography of my early years
Until one day, overnight
It became front-page news
And without many explanations
Confused and in camouflage clothes
One day we boarded the planes
And with the love that grows in distance
After crossing the clouds
We landed in a city called Luanda

Angola, my mother actually stayed alone
Looking for me on a map labeled in Portuguese
Through your dirty and noisy cities
Angola, my girlfriend sought human warmth
My dog, a new owner
And it may even happen that one day they call me a veteran

I got a picture of Agostinho Neto
And I put a missanga as an amulet
I got the anxiety of the fighter
Taking care of mosquitoes, snakes
Of death lurking among the lianas
Or in the insecure steps of the armored vehicles
When they advance in a convoy
One day we were welcomed with joy
Another day we expected the same
They insulted and cursed us

I know the brotherhood of the brave
Those who always advance in the heat of battle
Those who hide their feats behind modesty
Others who exaggerated their stories
Some who got rich from the war
And on Sundays organized safaris
Also friends who never returned
But what my people gave in that battle
Forgive me for the adjective but it doesn't fit
In the tarnish of a medal