Defumando Ausências
José Claudio Machado
Smoking Absences
I sought your clear laughter
Called out your name
A thousand times in vain
Through many winters
By the hearth
I smoked absences
In the ground fire
I shouted through the dawn
Outside, not a trace
Of anyone to listen
One day a star
Ran past the window
Bringing me news
That you were coming
I swept the floor
In the ranch room
Rinsed the gourd
To wait for you
And when you arrived
Under the poncho
A thousand old dreams
I began to sing
And since that time
I don't recognize myself
I don't know if I deserve
To love and smile
My gala attire
Are your caresses
That pave the way
For me to continue