Mi Ciudad

There's a place, very close to here
where the air doesn't reach.
The sunlight can't get through
it dissolves among smoke.
The factory has an infernal rhythm
day and night, it doesn't want to stop.
Cars invade everything they see endlessly.
Groups of people with nothing to do
warm their hands,
they look at the fire, they wish to know
what their future will be.
They've been promised a great future
if they endure what is to come,
while the wait gets even longer, what does it matter.
My city is not for jokes, it can't wait.
My city remained as a center in the vastness.
My city served as a refuge for those in need.
A horizon to start, a place to live.
Houses in ruins, visible dampness
that clings to the bones.
Old lampposts, don't even light up God
in the winter nights.
In a labyrinth of endless streets
everyone must live side by side.
The children left, they wanted to play,
what does it matter.
I raise my voice, I swear you won't die
and if I can help you, I'll be here.