ESMERALDA 
Salvador, the afternoon sunlight is folding around us, 
The dishes are done, 
The buildings here, tall as our mountains 
Slice through the windows and cut off the sun. 
On such days I find I am longing for Puerto Rico 
Though I never would return 'til you are free 
But when I hear the Aguinaldo my heart's a little lighter 
And we dance together Aurea and me 
In my life I've been unlucky with two husbands 
Gumersindo liked his rum and women friends 
Then that hypocrite who beat you and preached about repentance 
Has gone, and so another Sunday ends 
And tomorrow is another hard working Monday 
I'm still hoping for the raise they promised me 
There's a job as operator 
I would not have to wait for 
If I could speak the language easily 
But I tell Aurea: 
The barrio's boundaries are our own little nation 
Sometimes I hear you run upstairs 
And I view my light with resignation 
Keep your bible near you 
Time is an ocean of endless tears. 

Mmm. . .