Anima Della Vita
Once I saw an old man
planting an apple tree
the shovel, firm in his hand
the pain, sharp in his knee
I heard the prayers on his lips
and the earth striking steel
I heard the crick in his hips
and the pushing of his heel
Mounds of earth he tossed aside
he made it perfectly
the hole was deep, the hole was wide
'Twas a new home for the tree
I hurried to him
and took his tool
he took it from me
I thought he's a fool!
Why do you plant? I poundered
You will never see its fruits!
The old man smiled at my wonder
and lowered the tree's roots.
He said, I once climbed the trees
and I would eat their fruits
But the planters were dead as winter breeze
Their corpses under the roots
They did not plant them for today
they planted them for tomorrow
That is why I work this way
So you'll have fruit to borrow
Others planted and I ate
he says, waving his bandana
Now I must plant before it's late
'Tis Anima Della Vita
It's been long since that day
and I have grown older since
I hope I die without dismay
And that you too, are convinced
Live, love, and enjoy your life
But do not forget thy quota
to give tomorrow the soul of life
'tis Anima Della Vita