Cenere e Carbone

I’m just an old lady with a broken little laugh. My stories trip over themselves like clumsy cats. I talk to my broom like it’s my best friend. Even my kettle sighs when I get new ideas. Come closer, children… I’ve got a secret that even the moon giggles at. You too, big children… oh well, you’re not children anymore, But at my age hundreds of years you’re all kids to me. So come closer, because I have gifts for the good ones… and little surprises for the naughty ones. Ahahah… I saw you grown‑ups pretending you didn’t see the dishes. You walked past them like ghosts avoiding their own reflections. You promised to call your mother… then hid behind your calendar. You said you’d sleep early, but the moon caught you scrolling again. And don’t think I didn’t notice you buying plants just to let them negotiate with death on your windowsill. Chenere e carbone per voi… dolci e confetti per loro. E bambini rìdono, gli adulti fanno coro. You had all year to be good, but you danced around the rules… Chenere e carbone per voi… dolci e confetti per loro. For the little ones, I bring soft things: pockets of warm light, tiny giggles wrapped in ribbon, and a handful of dreams that smell like oranges. For the adults… well… I bring a lump of coal, still warm from my chimney of disappointment. Not to punish no, no just to remind you that promises are fragile creatures and you keep stepping on them with your big shoes. Chenere e carbone per voi… dolci e confetti per loro. La notte che guarda, mentre io faccio il lavoro. You say you’ll change tomorrow, but tomorrow runs away… Chenere e carbone per voi… dolci e confetti per loro. Oh, don’t pout at me… bambini grandi. I’ve lived long enough to see excuses grow legs. They run faster than rabbits when responsibility knocks. But listen… even carbone can spark a fire if you’re brave enough to warm your hands on the truth. So here’s my deal: next year, try watering your plants before they write their wills. Try saying “I’m sorry” without folding your arms like a fortress. Try laughing at yourself before the universe does it for you. Do these little things, and maybe just maybe I’ll trade your carbone for something sweeter. e carbone per voi… dolci e confetti per loro. Ma anche tu… puoi cambiare, e davvero. If you learn to be kind, I’ll rewrite your fate… Chenere e carbone per voi… dolci e confetti per loro. Alright, sweethearts… off you go now. Bye‑bye, little ones, and bye‑bye, big children too. Remember what I told you I watch you! Not to scare you… but because I’m running out of coal. Now run along before I change my mind, ahahah…