Talento Pa' Cantar

To sing off the cuff
Good talent is required,
Memory and understanding,
Strength of a purebred rooster.
Like a hailstorm
The words must flourish,
That will amaze even the devil
With many beautiful reasons
As in the conversations
Between Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

Also, gentlemen listeners,
An instrument is needed,
Many elements
And an eloquent companion.
Must be a good contender,
Knowledgeable of history;
I wish I had memory
To engage in a challenge,
But I don't have the sense
To finish with glory.

Speaking of the instrument
I refer to the big guitar,
With its wire and its drone:
Its sound is a wonder.
I count five ordinances,
Three of five, two of three,
The tuning pegs at its feet,
The elegant fretboard.
Its box must have
Four singing little devils.

And to sing in competition
One must be a player,
The singer must be arrogant
To follow the melody,
Guarantee joy
While the counterpoint lasts,
Form a beautiful ensemble,
Respond with great skill:
I see that my head
Is not capable for this matter.

Finally, kind gentlemen,
Who pay attention to me,
Who have found reason
To avoid this sword:
But I don't want any comment
To be made against me
: for the daily grind
There are many condiments.
The moment will not be lacking
For me to learn the canary's song.