LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE (Arbolito)
(Tish Hinojosa)

Tish Hinojosa - 1991


Arbolito this year I am seven
I have freckles, I would let you have them
There comes Mamacita with ornaments 
And with lights to dress you 
I help her, but she won't leave me with the icicles

From the kitchen, cooking las comadres
I smell chocolate, garlic and tamales
Where is my godmother and Santa Claus
No it's not the presents I want, you know
Yes, it's just the packages to guess

Arbolito I'm fifteen years old now
I can almost reach to put your star on
What I wish for Christmas this year is a secret
His name is - Ay mama mira! (Mom, look!) 
My sister won't let me have the icicles!

From the kitchen, cooking las comadres
I smell chocolate, garlic and tamales
Where is my godmother and Santa Claus
No it's not the presents I want, you know
Yes, it's just the packages to guess

Arbolito, now I'm thirty something
How familiar is our yearly talking
No, mijita(daughter), you put the ornaments
Does it look like Better Homes magazine?
Aw, come on now, they're my icicles!


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ARBOLITO (Little Christmas Tree)
(Tish Hinojosa)

Tish Hinojosa - 1991


Arbolito, tengo siete anos, tengo pecas, yo te los regalo
Viene mamacita con luces y esferas para vestirte y ayudo 
Pero, no me deja con los Icicles

La cocina de comadres manos, chocolate tamales y ajo
Donde esta mi madrina y Santo Clos, no son los regalos que quiero
Solo el paquete, para adivinar

Donde pasan los anos y suenos y abrazos viejo navidad
Amistades parientes y el Andy Williams con noche de paz
Arbolito que brillante estas!

Arbolito tengo quince anos, tu estrella ya mero alcanzo
Lo que yo deseo es secreto, te digo, se llama
Ay mama mira mi hermana no deja con los icicles

Arbolito, tengo trienta y algo, cuantas veces hemos platicado
No mijita, pon las esferas, verdad que parece Better Homes magazine,
No me importa, son mis icicles


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