by M. Shayne Bell
Do you remember night in Vila Sonia?
The scent of orchids blown from Morumbi?
I’d little time for beauty, then, Maria.
I faintly see the lights of deep Ferreira,
Though dimmed by time, they whisper, soft, aqui.
Do you remember night in Vila Sonia?
I rode squat busses to Aracatuba
And worked from there to dirt Birigui.
I’d little time for beauty, then, Maria.
I walked till dark down cobbled streets in Tupa
And never heard the evening bird’s ai.
Do you remember night in Vila Sonia?
I seldom felt the cool of primavera
Or watched the moon, half-full, on Jundiai.
I’d little time for beauty, then, Maria.
I dimply see Lins’ whitewashed, hushed, capela;
I’ve nearly lost the sound of Guarani.
Do you remember night in Vila Sonia?
I’d little time for beauty, then, Maria.