One day in Havana we visited a private home,
A lone remnant of the former years and better times.
Part of “now” was lounging by the curb – a grand old car,
Hull of Chevy model I remembered well from teen-age years.
But, guess what?! its engine is an immigrant from Italy.
Cubans shopped abroad – found Fiat parts met quite well their needs.
Welcomed in, we stepped into the home – a bit of Cuba as it was “before”.
Ushered into enclosed outdoor garden space – riot of flowers, shade of trees,
Birds and little lizards kept us company. In chairs positioned circle-wise
We took our seats. Coffee rich and dark was brought, in tiny cups of porcelain
With saucers, white and elegant. We drank and wondered what was next.
We were soon delightfully surprised.
She appeared, our person we were to meet that day. Young woman,
Graduate of School of Law now working at low-paying job.
Cuban education is excellent and free.The future is no guarantee.
She lived with parents like most young people must.
Learning English is a plus. Hers came gratis from American TV.
“Gossip Girls” bequeathed hers. I like her spunk. “Future time” make way.
Travel to city job from family home in countryside was no small feat.
Bad roads, no bus to catch, owning private cars obsolete
The people figured out another way – Pooled together to buy trucks
To pick up hitch-hikers waiting on road sides. Our lawyer-to-be had brains.
Pointing to her feet shod in eye-catching stiletto heels she said,
“Who would pass me by? These are my ticket every time.”
poetrybyheart.me 
You’ve really captured so much in this poem – history, life, how it is to live there.
Thanks, Andrea. I wanted to write in poetry because this is a love song. i’m so glad to hear that the information I wanted to share connects with you. 🙂
This has wonderful imagery. As an exercise, you might try writing it in prose now and see if you can keep the images and music and add little details. That might be fun!
Thanks for your comment. It would be interesting to try a prose version. 🙂
Wow such great images , I sense a garden , warm dusty suddenly colourful , vibrant and interesting by the appearance of the girl in stilettos , who shares the stories of resourcefulness that her people are capable of . Love these glimpses of Cuba that your writing about and look forward to reading them.
I love what you see and sense in my poem. It is lovely to me to be able to share my experience and get to live it again. Thanks so very much for your response. ❤
Now that’s a line you would remember someone saying! Spunk is written all over that last line that she spoke 🙂
Thanks, Christy. She was wonderful.
Loved it. It makes me want to go there. This is one of your best yet. I can taste the coffee- see the cars and courtyards. Your guide comes alive completely. Also you went from “no small feat” to stiletto feet in one stanza. I can see this published in a magazine. 🙂
Thanks. I didn’t even realize that I had put feat and feet in the same poem. The wonders of writing poetry. Your comment means so much to me, as always. I haven’t thought about being published.
That’s a bit scary. 🙂
Reblogged this on Covey View and commented:
A glimpse into life in Cuba from vivachange77.
I finally figured where and how to reblog! I love the posts and would love to share more on coveyview.
You are a wonder. I’m glad you figured out how to reblog. Thanks for liking my post and sharing it with others. ❤