From the recording Orijinal (En Bivo)
First recorded on Gracia (2012)
These beautiful words were written by my dear mentor, Matilda Koen-Sarano z"l. When I first read her poem, it immediately brought to mind the silver locket I wore for many years after my father died. Inside was a tiny photograph of him that I carried everywhere.
Although this song grew from a very personal place, many of us know what it feels like to hold onto a photograph or cherished object that keeps someone close long after they're gone. Composing this piece was my way of entering into Matilda's words while quietly honoring my own father.
Lyrics
Ladino:
El dia ke de mi partites
Tu portret a mi deshates.
“Vo tornar” tu me dishites,
“Yo te rogo me asperar.”
Ande stas tu, mi kerido?
Tu portret sta aki enkolgado.
De ti nunka yo m’olvido.
No se mas kualo pensar.
De mi vida tu salites,
Ni una letra me mandates.
Ande te desparesites?
Yo no kedo de yorar.
Dia i noche sospirando,
A tus bezos vo pensando,
I el tiempo sta pasando
Tu figura a kontemplar.
Tu portret yo vo mirando.
La dolor me sta matando,
A tu alma sto rogando:
No me deshes sin avlar.
English:
The day that you abandoned me
Your portrait was all that you left.
“I will return” you said to me,
“I want you to wait for me.”
Where are you, my dear?
Your picture is here hanging.
Nothing of you I forget,
I do not know what more to think.
You exited from my life,
Not even a letter did you send me.
Where have you disappeared?
I cannot rest from crying.
Day and night I sigh,
Remembering your kisses,
Time goes on to pass
As I contemplate your face.
I stare at your picture.
The sadness kills me,
From your soul I beg:
Don’t leave without telling me.