rrodriguez

I remember you

I remember you, Puerto Rico

With the green spread-out jagged mountain range

And the multicolored birds flying about, chirping

From Flamboyán to Flamboyán tree.

I remember you,

Open to the life-giving blood of torrential rain.

I went away, but I keep coming back to you;

To the Guanajibo river, now asleep,

To the Urayoán mountains, catacomb quiet,

To the bustling streets, ant-like procession of cars,

In the middle of town, where history was made,

To the Piragua stand, oozing tamarind syrup on shaved ice,

To the 3 o’clock hot cup of black coffee, freshly brewed,

To the aroma of baked bread smothered with butter,

its warm aroma wandering around captivating my nostrils,

To the mango tree down the street, weighted down, up to

The crown with fist-size juicy treats.

To the lazy wind evenings laying in a hammock, suspended,

Fast asleep, dreaming, on the porch, until the sun reaches

Out and wakes me up with its hot fingers on my face.

I wake up, refreshed, and happy, to be here

In my little island country, Puerto Rico.