Fuente: https://picryl.com/media
I began the month of August remembering the songs of my childhood.
A singular pleasure, especially for having been accompanied by a cuatro (Venezuelan typical instrument) and a guitar played by virtuosos.
I should clarify that the musical pieces that I used to hear as a child are nothing like the ones I sing to my grandchildren today.
The repertoire of my early life included Carlos Gardel, Pedro Vargas, the Trio Los Panchos, and Agustín Lara, to name a few.
These were the songs my dad played in his elegant green Oldsmobile every weekend when we went to the beach, while my mom sighed, saying, “Joffre, don’t those songs have an expiration date?”
From “El día que me quieres”, “Por una Cabeza” to “María Bonita” and “Noche de Ronda.”
Every time I sing them, a kind of minor magic takes hold of me.
I’m transported, transfigured, the words emerge from forgotten corners of my subtle memory, I close my eyes and feel the music in every fiber of my body.
All of this to the embarrassment of my daughter, very much like her pragmatic grandmother, who tells me, “Mom, get a grip!” (haha)
Anyway, I thank these wonderful friends visiting us from Venezuela (I’ve threatened to confiscate their passports) for bringing the music and the memories to my home.
Before they end their visit, I have a very special request.
A song I danced with my husband on August 6, 2013, the day we moved into our sunrise-filled house, where I still enjoy its glorious light.
On this new anniversary, as then, I will remember “Yo tengo ya la casita, que tanto te prometí…” (I already have the little house, the one I promised you so much…) sung by that legend, Daniel Santos.
I’ll leave the link for you to enjoy, while I shed sweet tears of nostalgia and gratitude.
