Solamente una vez

Solamente una vez Dreaming with my father Each night the pillow calls Only once, just once, I reach for him across the shadows Distant memories I offer up a prayer, I say his name Every night, I whisper, Father, are you there All my hopes, my wishes—do they reach you there Solamente una vez I will pray to my father Every night before I sleep I ask for comfort And I hope he answers in a language only I remember Father, I remain your child, oldest, worn, still yours Not the youngest but the one who always stayed Solamente una vez I ask you, Father, hear this Solamente una Younger siblings climbing, young and wild, through growing years Now they're youth, futures bright—they already crossed the line I recall the way my youth unraveled, faded slow Now this mirror shows a stranger, someone frail, slow to move Can't walk anymore, Father So I ride my silver wheels through every winding lane All over town—doors open, faces kind, gentle smiles Sometimes silence settles on my shoulder, still I find meaning Solamente una vez I will pray to my father Every night before sleep, I send a wish I hope he answers softly, in the language of forgiveness Father, I am still your child, always, even now Oldest one who dreams, never say goodbye to this Solamente una vez Hear me, Father, carry me