something moves in the still dark hours

sunday in a shanty town

eyelids open two by two

but not a single light goes on



tension builds as the only sound

is the quiet clash of metal and boots

and now and then an order barked

at the bullies in the drab green suits



military thugs with their dogs and clubs

spreading through the poblacion

hunting whoever still has a voice

sure that everyone will run



they come in strong but it's not that long

before they know it's not so easy to leave

to keep a million homeless down takes more

than a strong arm up your sleeve



at the crack of dawn the first door goes down

snapped off a makeshift frame

in a matter of minutes the first rock flies

barricades burst into flame



first mass rings through smoke and gas

day flowers out the night

creatures of the dark in disarray

fall before the morning light



bells of rage--bells of hope

as the 10 year night wears down

sisters and brothers are coming home

to see Santiago dawn



i got a dream and i'm not alone

darkness dead and gone

all the people marching home

kissing the rush of dawn



Santiago dawn

see them marching home

see them rising like grass through cement

in the Santiago dawn



-- Santiago 12/1983