The story of Turi / La storia di Turi

It is since Mozaic has been published that I wanted to write my first story, but I wasn’t able to find the right way to write it. Then, I understood that the best way was not to write it but to sing it.

The song is in italian, but under the player you can read the translation.
It is dedicated to all those people who fight everyday, with their modest job, to give to their sons the possibility to realize their potential. I honestly think there is no more powerful evolution of work.

It is dedicated to all of you.

Press play here below and listen to the song!

Turi gets up at 4 am. Outside is dark, the world sleeps. Coffee, cigarettes, broken shoes. He goes down the street, the car doesn’t start. No problem, he can fix it. The road runs along the sea, but it is too dark to see the waves and the sky without color.

Turi at 5 is ready in the factory, the gate is open, someone is already inside.
Turi says “hello” waving his hand in the wind. The others say “hello” raising the chin. Vases and cement. They say, the attitude is what makes the difference between those who are tired but, surrounded by complaints, enjoy every moment.

He controls, with a slow pace, there is a protocol that guides every movement.
Turi accepts it full of pride. Turi knows it is needed to support his sons and he cultivates a dream: that one day they do not suffer sleep, hunger or need.

For all this I sing. For every Turi, this is your anthem.

Your anthem will ring out day and night.
May it give freedom to those who live for each act.
Every child will look at the eyes and see the abyss of those who have seen the war and with their head held high have won.

Turi eats a sandwich, Maria did it the night before with what she had: potatoes and sauce to give it flavor.
The love and every bite appease hunger.
The sweat, black hands.
The shift work ends and he says goodbye to the sun while it disappears. The heart complains, he lies at it and says he is fine.
He opens the door, the dinner is ready. Smell of chickpeas. Maria is waiting for him. He eats in a hurry, he lowers his head. With tired eyes consumes his meal. The phone rings, he quickly gets up. It is his son, the voice becomes more alive, asking loving questions: “How is the weather, have you already eaten?”
He answers “dad, nothing new. Is mom ok? Now I have to go.”
Finished.
Only 1 minute, but Turi on the face, also for today, has a true and strong smile.
Late evening, the body yields, sleep catches him while he still sits.
Slowly drag his body to the bed, then he blesses God despite he has no faith.

Your anthem will ring out day and night.
May it give freedom to those who live for each act.
Every child will look at the eyes and see the abyss of those who have seen the war and with their head held high have won.

Turi knows. The night knows.
Everyone knows they are struggling but Turi knows there will be the day when everybody will glorify this old man.

Turi tonight does not dream. He does not have the strength to think of a dream, but he gives it to those who can, when they are awake, imagine to change the world.
The legacy of those who have nothing is the most powerful, it frees you and announces good news to have won this battle for eternal life.

Your anthem will ring out day and night.
May it give freedom to those who live for each act.
Every child will look at the eyes and see the abyss of those who have seen the war and with their head held high have won.