This text, written by Salvatore Adelfio, was first published in Palermo in 1848 in the collection of his poems, “Scelta di Poesie Siciliane di un Amico del Popolo.” Adelfio was a folk poet and participated directly in the uprisings of 1848. This poem uses the donkey as a metaphor for the contadino (farmer) to explain in clear terms the brutal reality and severity of the economic and social crises which led to the revolts of 1848. Sicilian folk musician and singer-songwriter, Rocco Pollina, composed this melody in 1979. Thanks to Rocco, Adelfio’s cry for justice will never be forgotten.