Rio de Janeiro

Christ the Redeemer overlooks
the city ‘The River of January‘
he embraces them all.
The blessed, the exquisite, the rich.
Buildings sparkle in the sun,
beaches flamboyant with beautiful bodies
glistening with health, dripping wealth
Yes, Christ the redeemer embraces them all

The well kept gardens and parks
vibrant with colour and fragrance
where lovers meet.
And a drug deal goes down.
Yes, Christ the Redeemer embraces them all.

The favelas perched precariously
on the hillsides, ghettos for the poor,
dispossessed, crime ridden rat holes
where pivetes thrive against the odds
by theft, murder, prostitution; knowing nothing better.
Yes, Christ the Redeemer embraces them all.

Only at Carnaval can there be equality of a kind;
the rhythm of the Samba, the gaudy floats,
the flash of the fireworks, the gaity.
People pour out of the favelas, some to watch
some to take part, some to thieve, some to kill.
Yes, Christ the Redeemer embraces them all.