Titan spirit in a five foot frame,
she yelled “Adopt me!
We’d be great together.
America, you tossed salad,
I know about the hidden wilted brown bits,
the croutons made damp with tears,
and that the rich dressing can’t always cover up
some of the bad tastes left in your mouth.
But I also know how lucky I am
to be able to stand on your shores
and tell you, ‘I see you and still want to be here’.
I want to add my words to your song.
I want to sing with duende
about an imperfect place
still struggling towards a more perfect union.
I’ll love you in the struggle
dance my part in the center of the storm
and let my words send storms dancing on their own.
I’ll be the sazón in my part of the salad.
We’ll both be the better for it."
Song Choice: My Shot from the play Hamilton
orgullo = pride
duende = originally referring to a diminutive goblin or dwarf-like creature in folk stories, it has grown to refer to passionate and/or inspired performance of some artistic endeavor
sazón = it can be translated as seasoning, but there's a bit more to it than that.
This piece is the result of a combination of two prompts: Imaginary Gardens With Real Toads, Artistic Interpretation - Immigrant Portraits and A Dash of Sunny's Prompt Nights, Through the Eyes of a Friend. It is also linked to Poets United's Poetry Pantry #341.
Don't Give Up, Lady Liberty by Chris Blackway
Find Chris Blackway on Instagram @sea_black_prints
More of his art can be found at seablackco.com
orgullo = pride
duende = originally referring to a diminutive goblin or dwarf-like creature in folk stories, it has grown to refer to passionate and/or inspired performance of some artistic endeavor
sazón = it can be translated as seasoning, but there's a bit more to it than that.
This piece is the result of a combination of two prompts: Imaginary Gardens With Real Toads, Artistic Interpretation - Immigrant Portraits and A Dash of Sunny's Prompt Nights, Through the Eyes of a Friend. It is also linked to Poets United's Poetry Pantry #341.
Whistles!!!❤️💘This is absolutely gorgeously penned, Rommy! Such passion and feeling radiates through your poem sigh especially love; "I want to add my words to your song. I want to sing with duende about an imperfect place still struggling towards a more perfect union.I’ll love you in the struggle dance my part in the center of the storm and let my words send storms dancing on their own." Thank you so much for participating at Prompt Nights and for your constant love and support❤️💘
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Sanaa
Thanks Sanaa!
DeleteA great poem, Rommy, and I love that final stanza.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it.
Delete"I’ll be the sazón in my part of the salad."
ReplyDeleteLuv the idea of an immigrant bring your special hint of something to add to a place making it so much better
much love...
When we all bring what's special to us to the table, we all get nourished from the end result.
DeleteWhat a yummy, mixed salad of words you tossed to us! I love the tear soaked croutons, the wilted brown bits. This is such a perfect analogy of what America is and how we could make it better. Thank the gods for immigrants that have brought their food, songs, and art to this land!
ReplyDeleteEvery place has wonderful things to add to the mix.
DeleteTasty.
ReplyDeleteI love how the piece emphasis the importance of togetherness. Separate, the salad offers some unsavory bits. But as a whole, it becomes a delicious meal with music, inspiration and hope in it.
May we always get sazón.
Yes, together we are greater than the sum of our parts.
DeleteExactly - I loved this.
ReplyDeleteYay! Thanks.
DeleteGreat message! I can waste or build on the positives
ReplyDeleteHere's to building!
DeleteGorgeous writing, Rommy. Love that last stanza, and the art work.
ReplyDeleteHe's local to me. His other work is also really wonderful.
DeletePerfect words, dear Rommy.
ReplyDeleteI love Chris Blackway's image, too.
I loved that image from when I first saw it.
DeleteThat salad analogy is perfect.
ReplyDeleteCan't really take credit for it, as its an expression I've heard before.
DeleteI love those hidden bits of the salad, and, especially, the dancing with her in her struggle to find a more inclusive way to be. Loved this poem.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a good thing when they all learn to dance together.
DeleteI think the salad is a perfect image... we do need it all... and so much more interesting the world can be.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for a more interesting world.
DeleteI, too, love this. We each contribute to our world in wondrous ways. We need one another to make the whole,,
ReplyDeleteYes, we really do
Deletesuperb conceit - the tossed salad ~
ReplyDeleteI really can't take any credit for it, as it's something I heard in passing before.
DeleteThat is the beauty of living in a multicultural country isn't it? With not only the taste of something different in each other but seasoning or sazón, possibly fire in that happening!
ReplyDeleteOh yes...the flavorful combos are endless.
DeleteI love this!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteA mixed salad... excellent! One reason I love to visit NYC - the authentic ethnic food choices :)
ReplyDeletemay this multi-hued richness & flavor never leave the country...
ReplyDeleteI know about the hidden wilted brown bits,
ReplyDeletethe croutons made damp with tears,
and that the rich dressing can’t always cover up
some of the bad tastes left in your mouth.... that's cleverly done!
What an excellent resolution!
ReplyDeleteLoved this even more on second reading.
ReplyDeleteAmen to this. Wow! Sharing!
ReplyDeleteHappy Sunday, thanks for dropping by my blog today Rommy
ReplyDeleteMuch love...
The salad metaphor is so brilliantly crafted, Rommy!!
ReplyDeleteA marvelous analogy. Food for thought (no pun intended!) Well written!
ReplyDeleteReally liked the metaphor of America as a tossed salad!
ReplyDeleteLove this. We are the Sason!
ReplyDeleteThe salad analogy is so-o-o-o cool. In my experience, When people bring something of themselves when they come together with others, it's a good thing. It nice to be reminded of that.
ReplyDeleteI love the wilted brown bits too. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI love the image of America as a tossed salad...so many hidden delicacies waiting to be tasted. XXX
ReplyDeleteI really love this! Great writing! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteAmerica as a tossed salad! Love it! And I love the hope!
ReplyDelete