Ariagada, 1982

there is fire everywhere

damp leaves shelter below silent bulls

dozing beside community courtyards

where films are shown by the old projectionist

to children returning from smelling spices

and shooting marbles, spinning tops

in the bazaar below the hill

where miners begin to gather

after crossing pit openings, goods wagons

water works and the volleyball courts

filled with men and women

gleaming in the red evening

who play and wait for their land to return.