La Familia Polillal

María Elena Walsh's song 'La Familia Polillal' is a delightful and imaginative exploration of the life of a family of moths, depicted in a humorous and anthropomorphic manner. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of these moths as they go about their daily activities, such as eating wool with utensils and living in a wardrobe. The song uses playful language and imagery to bring these characters to life, making it appealing to both children and adults.

The narrative of the song introduces various family members and their quirky habits, such as the baby moths sleeping in a cradle made of buttons and the father moth lounging in a pocket. The arrival of Mrs. Napthalene, depicted as a threat wrapped in cellophane, introduces a moment of conflict. However, the resolution is peaceful, with the moth father deciding to spare her and move the family to another wardrobe, suggesting themes of non-violence and adaptability.

Walsh's song is not just a fun story; it also subtly addresses issues of coexistence and the choices we make about dealing with perceived threats. The decision to leave rather than harm Mrs. Napthalene reflects a moral lesson woven into the entertaining tale. This song is a fine example of how Walsh uses fantasy to address real-world concepts, making her work profound yet accessible for her audience.