The following is my free translation of Ismael Serrano's song "A las Madres de Mayo", "To the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo." Of all the songs written about the disappeared, and/or to the Mothers of them, this is one of my favorites. Though the wording reflects the particular situations of disappearances in Argentina (throwing people alive to the sea, the wearing of scarves) I think the lyrics will speak to the Mothers of the disappeared all over the world.
He looks for you, mother, while the sea,
in which he is sinking, rocks him asleep.
He dreams of your embrace, searches for memories
to which to hold on so he won't fall asleep.
The sea roars, it's a tempest, a cry.
Who could have sent a thousand angels to heaven?
And he hears your screams, white scarves
cover its waters; the wind brought them.
Send a wave to take away
the traitors who planted so much death.
Boats and castaways hear their voices.
They say "Never, never, forget our names".
Tell the mothers that someplace,
where it's needed, we continue fighting.
Mother, your son hasn't disappared.
Mother, I found him walking with you.
I see him in your eyes, I hear him in your mouth,
and he calls me in everyone of your gestures.
I see him in my struggle and he is with me
among the flames of every new battle.
His strong hands guide mine,
towards a future, always towards victory.
His strong hands guide mine,
towards a future, always towards victory.
A las madres de mayo
Te busca madre mientras su cuerpo es mecido
por el mar en el que se sumerge dormido.
Sueña tu abrazo, busca recuerdos,
a los que aferrarse para no conciliar el sueño.
El mar se inquieta, es tempestad, lamento.
¿Quién pudo lanzar mil ángeles desde el cielo?
Y oye tus gritos, blancos pañuelos,
cubren sus aguas, los trajo el viento.
Manda una ola para que se lleve
a los traidores que sembraron tanta muerte.
Barcos y naúfragos oyen sus voces.
Les dicen "Nunca, nunca, olviden nuestros nombres".
Díle a las madres que en algún lado,
donde hace falta, seguimos luchando.
Madre, tu hijo no ha desaparecido.
Madre, que yo lo encontré andando contigo.
Lo veo en tus ojos, lo oígo en tu boca,
y en cada gesto tuyo me nombra.
Lo veo en mis luchas y me acompaña
entre las llamas de cada nueva batalla.
Guían mis manos sus manos fuertes,
hacia el futuro, hasta la victoria siempre.
Guían mis manos sus manos fuertes,