Volver a los 17 [English translation]

Returning to seventeen

After a century of living

Is like deciphering signs

without wisdom or competence,

to be all of a sudden

as fragile as a second,

to find a deep feeling

like a child in front of God,

that is what I feel

in this fecund instant.

Entangling, entangling it moves,

like the ivy on the wall,

and so it flowers, and it grows,

like tiny moss on the stone.

Oh yes oh yes

My steps is backward

while yours keep advancing,

the arch of alliances

has penetrated my nest,

with all of its wide palette

it has walked through my veins

and even the hard chains

with which destiny chains us

is like a fine diamond

that lightens my serene soul.

What feelings can grasp

knowledge cannot understand,

not even the clearest move

not even the widest thought,

the moment changes everything

the condescending magician,

separates us sweetly

from rancor and violence,

only love with its science

makes us innocent.

Love is a whirlwind

of original purity,

even the fierce animal

whispers its sweet trill,

stops the pilgrims,

and liberates the prisoners,

love with its best efforts

turns the old into a child

and only affection

can turn the bad pure and sincere.

The fully open window

opened by pure enchantment

love entered with its blanket

like a lukewarm morning,

the melody of its beautiful Diana

prompted the flowering of jasmine,

flying like a seraphim

placed earrings in the sky

and my years in seventeen

cherub did convert.

• Artist:Violeta Parra
• Album:Las últimas composiciones (1967)