Column of Padilla (Columna de Padilla)

The Column of Padilla is a historical monument located in the neighbourhood of El Contento, in the south of Cúcuta, on a hill from which the most of the valley can be seen. It was erected on the 24^th of July, 1923, to celebrate the centenary of the naval battle of Maracaibo, in which the Colombian admiral  José de Padilla walked triumphant.

Here is a photo of the Column of Padilla. From my Dad’s book Elementary motherland (Patria elemental).

Column of Padilla (Columna de Padilla)

On the hill the flag and the wind.

By the pole, docile pebbles without patina,

like time had not touched them.

From high up one can see the forest

that protects the city. Behind it the hollow

and by its edge the poor roof, the scarce bread,

the thirst of the savannahs covered in thistles,

the life of the inhabitants without a destiny.

From that height the column remembers

heroic achievements.

The wind goes by. Time goes by. The light goes by.

Also the night. And at the edge of the hill

promiscuous realities of glory and misery

also pass by.