A grand city, a poor city,

Spirit of captivity, a graceful sight,

The sky's vault, a pale blue,

Boredom, cold, and granite...

A grand city, a poor city,

Lace-like floors.

Hard times - a copper heel

And cheap dreams.

The spirit of captivity in wet walls,

An ancient castle in the yard.

The ardor of dreams in holy quatrains

About freedom and good.

A grand city, a poor city,

You are within me, like an old scar.

Striped and colorless,

You withstand the years.

The march of facades - orderly, distinct,