By Bohemian Babushka
HolaHolaHola Beautifuls! Can you believe we’re already in November?? Can you believe the stores already have Christmas mercancia out for sale?? What ever happened to Thanksgiving? Seems like it’s a blurb, just a quick beep out there. Ok si, it may not be politically correct or historically accurate, but it does accentuate giving thanks and feeling blessed, sharing moments with loved ones, and for that reason it’s one of Babushka’s favorite times.
November here in the Florida Panhandle is wonderful. We’re seeing less days over 90 degrees and actually have fog coming in with cooler temperatures. If you’re a regular dancer con BB you know this is my favorite time of year and cooler weather makes Babushka go on full cañones. Right now, BB is writing this from a campsite in Milton Florida where she and Sweetie picked up their newest member of the familia, Rosie the RangeRunner. Later, we will head back to Tallahassee so Babushka is rested for a play rehearsal. Si Beautifuls, otra obra, this time finally with a group BB’s been dying to work with, the Tallahassee Hispanic Theater. Not only will BB be part of the group reading, but she’ll even be reading one of her own poesias! Cool verdad? To go along with the weather. Here is BB’s poesia.
A poesia by BB
I am the product of two cultures.
I like to think of myself as the perfect mix of both
the point of harmony between beliefs.
And yet …
They’ve labeled me “Cuban-American”.
And like the hyphen in this supposedly single phrase,
I see the separation, feel the distinction.
I am not truly part of either.
For some I will always be a “minority”,
Despite my education and place of birth.
I cannot – nor will I – hide my heritage,
and so, I return to “my people”.
And yet …
I find open arms of welcome,
But the blood that we share is too thin;
We are the same, but not one.
Lost to me is the history of my parents’ homeland.
I feel no tie to a forbidden land,
or to relatives I will never know.
Why should I continually mourn the past?
My life, my future, is in the present.
Across the water is a nightmare, a constant bad dream;
And I am not Don Quixote.
I cannot relate to the time before “El Exilio”,
A time which seems almost mythical in its perfection.
For me it is just the melancholy ramblings of the old.
And yet …
I sometimes ache with need,
the need to forget my Anglo teachings
and surroundings.
To be able to join my elders in their fond memories.
To be able to go back in time and space,
Erasing my patronizing smile
and exchanging it with a sense of knowledge.
The knowledge of who I am and to whom I belong.
However, no matter how sincere this longing may be,
I cannot – nor will I – discard my nationality.
I will always be a guest in both worlds,
Outwardly welcomed, but secretly hoped that
I will not overstay my visit.
And yet …
I am content with my life;
My destiny is not distasteful.
I am part of a new breed.
Our speech is sprinkled with both languages,
Switching randomly between both
until we find the “perfect” word.
Our food is international cuisine –
for breakfast we have café con leche with a bagel,
Lunch consists of Diet Pepsi and a media noche,
Macaroni and cheese is inconceivable
without plátanos maduros.
Our holidays are plentiful –
December 24 is Noche Buena,
December 25 is Christmas,
and we celebrate Reyes Magos on January 6.
And though we do not belong to Cubans or Americans,
We belong to each other …
We are not “ellos”;
We are not “them”.
We are.
~Sonia Guerra
Written many lunas ago under the name Sonia Guerra for a college concurso, the sentiment sigue. And so, does the amor for the season, and for you dear Beautifuls.
November Novedades, may they be cool in every sense of the word. BB2U
