M O T H E R L A N D Marcos Catao <cata...@yahoo.com>
MOTHERLAND is where you are born MOTHERLAND is where you've grown Where the spirit blossomed MOTHERLAND is the warmth that binds A bond of all the people Who are not related Yet feel the warmth Of that flame that glows. MOTHERLAND is the piece of land Bathed in filial sweat The bed of fragrant flowers Sprouting from love'.s care.. MOTHERLAND is not a lil' piece of paper Bandied as Passport MOTHERLAND does not dim E'en if seemingly asleep In an undesired exile. MOTHERLAND is what seems In the voice to quiver When one returns home After a long stay out. MOTHERLAND is not forgotten E'en in the moment of the last breath Try then never to demerit The MOTHERLAND where you were born For it is the greatest gift The Good LORD on you has endowed. Dedicated to GOA, our unique and unforgettable MOTHERLAND Translated from the original Portuguese “A PATRIA”, featured in a recent book of poems ”Pedrinhas na Areia: poemas fortuitos de saudades d'outrora” (Pebbles in the sand: random poems of nostalgic memories)