I've always known you the same

You live alert. I know that if you were to fall
they'd ask you for so many, many years, too many years.

Among the noise of cars, the street
and the people who rush past,
I have seen very clearly that many are fighting
and are working silently like you.

I've always known you just as you are now,
with white hair, a face full of goodness,
thin lips drawn in the smile
of a friend, companion, aware of the danger.

Without speaking you told me: "Everything is growing",
the fight of today for a free and live tomorrow,
which these terrible days are forging,
times, these times of so much ignorance.

I didn't turn while calm, you passed by me,
I felt a strong pride, very manlike.
I don't feel lonely, friend, don't you either,
for we are many more than they want and say.

This song of mine is yours, I wanted it ours;
this song of mine is yours, I wanted it ours.
You live alert. I know that if you were to fall
they'd ask you for so many, many years, too many years.

I've always known you just as you are now.