In Hard Times
by Heberto Padilla

They asked him for his time
so that he join it to the time of History.
They asked him for his hands
because during hard times
there is nothing better than a good pair of hands.
They asked him for his eyes
that once had shed some tears
so that he could see the clear side
(especially the clear side of life)
for when it comes to horror
one single eye will do.

They asked him for his lips
- which were parched and dry-
so that they issue an affirmation
and with each affirmation build the dream
(the high dream)
They asked him for his legs
-which were knobby and hard-
because during hard times
is there anything better than a good pair of legs
for building or for trenches?

They asked him for the woods
that nourished him as a child
with its obedient tree.
They asked him for his chest, his heart, his shoulders.
They told him it was strictly necessary.
They explained to him later
that all these donations would be useless
unless he also surrender his tongue
because during hard times
nothing could be more useful
for stopping hatred or lies.
And finally they asked him politely
to start moving
because during hard times
this is, no doubt, the decisive test.