Miren cómo sonríen [English translation]

Watch how they smile,

the presidents,

when they make promises

to innocents.

Watch how they offer

the labor unions

this world and the next,

the candidates.

Watch how they multiply1

formal promises,

but after the vote

multiply torments.

Watch the swarm

of proctors

"to sprinkle flowers

on the student".

Watch how they shine,

the carabiniers,

"to offer rewards

to the workers".

Watch how they dress,

corporal and sergeant,

to stain with red

the pavement.

Watch how they profane

the sacristies

with the with furs and hats

of hypocrisies.

Watch how they whitewashed

the Month of Mary,

and for the poor blackened

the light of day.

Watch how they show off a riffle

to take from the people

their daily bread. 2

Watch how they dust themselves,

the public servants,

to count the sheets

of the calendar.

Watch how they manage,

the secretaries,

the friendly pages

of each journal.

Watch how they smile:

Angelical.

Watch how they forget

that they're mortal.

1. Literally: redouble2. Marraqueta is type of Chilean "tear apart" bread.

• Artist:Violeta Parra