En el río Mapocho
Victor Jara
In the Mapocho River
In the Mapocho River
the cats die
and in the middle of the water hey throw the sacks,
but in the neighborhoods
with the storm
men, dogs, and cats
it's the same party.
They say that in these cases
it's better to laugh
and in the middle of the mud
bring a beer.
A child plays in the middle
of the storm
pretending to be the captain of a ship
that capsized.
We're taking out babies,
tables, walls,
we're not afraid of the sky
it's pouring rain.
But I'd be more scared
if the time comes
and my girl doesn't want
to give me a hug.
The strong wind, the water,
houses are being knocked down
but one who works
is not afraid,
it would be nice if
it were true
that we laugh one day
at the elements.
