Nina

Oh Nina, where does your heart take you today
To play with Negra and Rose and Maria
I sadly recall the friends of my childhood
You, my love, bear the fruit of my pain
Do you ride wild horses in Amazon battles
I rode like a lady — except when alone
I wept for dead soldiers then burned all my journals
Your muscles are shining as you dance with each other
I wore shiny stockings, I was led to the floor
I learned how to follow but never got married
Nina, my daughter, sometimes I resent you
Your laughter, your lovers, your courage to feel
I was never allowed to love Eloisa
Yet you sleep so warm in the arms of your friends
But as I lie awake and hear your soft pleasure
My resentment fades, and I shelter your love
For the outside world makes you cry all too often
And because of you, I too hold a woman tonight
Oh Nina, where does your heart take you today
To play with Negra and Rose and Maria
You will sadly recall the pages of childhood
Women unborn will bear the fruit of your pain