Sometimes I feel like a weeping willow tree Who bends its limbs almost caressing the ground Yet never breaking, because it has a strong and flexible foundation. IF If I could fly like a bird I would emerge into the sky like a ballerina, leaping but never landing.
I would continue my flight high above the atmosphere, where No essence of the earth would be visible.
I would glide amongst the clouds and explore their beauty and essence.
I envision clouds to be like ‘snow-cones” of soft cotton, penetrable so that I could swirl in and out, as if bouncing from one good thought to another.
Memories
Certain people in my life are always present They appear in reflections, at the most unexpected moments. stimulated by the dullness of my existence..
The hum -drum of my present reality, created intentionally by my keepers. helped me to reflect into myself, and all who helped to develop me.
So, in this respect, my hum-drum reality is brightened By those who live within my chamber of reflections.
It is these sparks of times shared that generates a smile on a gloomy day.
Have You Seen the New Puerto Rican Woman?
Have You Seen the New Puerto Rican Woman? She walks with the stride of her Borinquen ancestry, as a Taina Casica.
She bears the child which will reap the benefits of our new society.
She knows were she is headed; her commitment is to her people.
She speaks with dignity and defiance, for she knows that her principals are correct and reflect the oppression of her homeland and her people.
She stands with fervor With gun in hand beside her companeros For she is prepared to meet whatever consequence arrives
The signal is given She response fearlessly For she is certain, that victory will prevail. She is capture by the enemy But she does not despair For she knows that her actions have been heard, and her people will respond The Struggle continues until death.
Simple Things It is the simple things we take for granted Remember A quiet walk A simple wild flower given An embrace in the middle of the day You and I laughing A phone call to say I miss you A mid-night snack Spontaneous love making Kissing in the back seat of a car Observing the rain as we splashed in puddles Holding hands The touch of your lips on my neck A glance across the room of sheer ecstasy Glancing into each others eyes in silence Oh! How easy we forget! ..And yet it is the simple things that truly fill our souls.
Child
Child you come from us We nurture you We guide you And like butterflies you blossom into self identity Child You are so very special to our struggle From you will come he future From you a new awakening will prevail Child You are our consciousness in action You are our aspirations You are our future warriors Child You are strong, gentle, loving beings in tuned with Mother Nature Yet th enemy fears you because you know them better than they know themselves Child In all of you we see a new human being You bring forward the new life our people await. Child You are apart of us always because in struggle we are all one
Arriving At Oneness
I am glowing from within My abilities to heal have expanded My soul, feels free New ideas come o me daily I am creating moment by moment That shallowness that kept me confused is non-existent I feel apart of a larger self-a self that is gentle and yet Strong, enlighten, willing to grow further My heart smiles whenever I feel my oneness.
Humans are a peculiar species. We long for the warmth of another Seek out to be reinforced Fantasizing about affirmations of love. And when the time arrives that we hear what we feel that makes one complete We become frightened almost out of ones wits.
Thoughts Number One Some people believe to become a total person is a process That needs to be shared with someone who Will not judge or smirk or be aghast at what you might reveal
The reality of self is to be fulfilled in all of our aspects That way when the right person appears he will see All of you with a heart felt smile
Number Two Sometimes, unfortunately as it may be Holding back can keep one from anew awakening about self And if this occurs, it is the self that looses the most.
Number Three Sunshine keeps me going For others, it is the darkness that brings them light Rains brings out my melancholies but when combined with the warmth of the sun it ALLOWS THE CHILD IN ME TO EMERGE AND BE SEEN BY EVERYONE TO GLANCE AT .
Rhythm Yeah! I got rhythm and it’s not just my ability to dance. My rhythm comes from ancient times when my ancestors gathered in celebration at the Areytos.
At the Bateys everyone gathered sharing their collective talents of music verse dance with allot of rhythm. That rhythm which moves me whenever ihear my music.
Afro- Cuban rhythms, that make my feet jump, my hips swirl moving to the beat of the drums, timbales, bongos. The clave beat of horns, quiros y maracas.
All creating combos of full sounds, like the swirling winds of a rain storm. “Aguacero e Mayo que va caller, Agua que va caller.”
My rhythms take me away from here. They serve as my protectors, whenever I’m down. Just listening to my music is my complete therapy of choice. It’s not always the fast up beat tempo rhythms.
At times I need to hear the boleros of love. Yes love songs that remind me of the loves of my past, Mirame mas sigue mirando me asi. I can see all that has been apart of me . And in that vision all is said.
MI Mami- My Mother ‘Delia, my mother her own person, the coming together of island times and city life.” From early on, she assumed responsibilities for her brothers because abuela Ramona had passed. Even with these burdens she learned to nurture herself, a very wise woman, who loved me unconditionally. She diffidently was my Mami, definitely my friend. She allowed me to be me, at times making mistakes then learning from them. She loved so passionately her fellow man that she serviced all in our community. From Her I earned to demand my rights, struggle for principles and share myself and talents with others. Delia was a warrior woman in her own right. She was the daughter of Chango, always prepared to fight for us and others. Delia nurtured me, she knew me better than any one else. She protected me and made me feel whole. She truly carried it on! Delia mi mami, has gone to the other side. She visits me in my dreams, at times in the middle of the day, I see her face. She still guides her only child. Whenever I need to make an important decision, I call on her to assist me. I miss her dearly, yet I am comforted in knowing she is always by my side. I look back at my life and see her wisdom, I treasure it. For I am now beginning to cross that path where one can truly see beyond Gracias Mami, te quiero siempre, Tu Mulata
Moods If we didn’t have moods we wouldn’t have personalities. Several elements do influence how we fell and act
Invitation The sun has arrived, in all its grandeur Come walk with me Through its prisms of color We might find a rainbow that only the two of us can see. 2/28/85
Self Honesty As time goes by people get to know each other more intimately We begin to feel what the other feels without having to be told
Humans have an inner sense that few truly develop We choose not to grow in certain directions because it becomes uncomfortable When another human being sees us for what we are.
To hide ones emotions in the long run creates confusion because if we do not share them honestly. They are stored away in the hallows of our souls
Sometimes, unfortunately as it might be, holding back can keep you from a new awakening about oneself. And if this occurs, it is the self that looses the most
Friendship We have so many things in common Sometimes, very unexpected someone enters your inner circle and an instant affinity develops. I believe that this energy of bonding has to come from another existence Lets be honest this lifetime is very short.
Our cultural experiences brings people together At times for a short period At very special times a communication between two people becomes something essential which lasts an eternity
We come into life trusting, loving, fearless innocently awaiting the essence of life May people cross our paths Few leave a permanent impression those that do become a permanent part of us.
Salute To Friendship On your day, I extend m my hand in friendship Inviting you to share with me my ups, my downs most important my inner thoughts and feelings.
This way we will know each other better and be able to grasp from each other so that we can grow together into better human beings. And so I give you my esece of being My strength to struggle for true convictions
I invite you into my heart, dear friend to look forward towards a new future for our people, our loved ones. most importantly our children the future generations of liberation.
Self Introspections At times I ponder in retrospect, Recalling the past What was What might have been
In looking towards the future I can see with a clearer perspective What I have gained in knowledge and awareness these numerous years.
There have been days of gloom Days of uncertainty Days of confusion, frustration, dehumanization all serving to make me a better human.
I have seen tears in grown mens eyes as their children leave them not knowing if they will ever share a last embrace.
I have seen women dedicated to their men who visit weekly yet in their eyes a profound sadness remains.
Many have shared their inner turmoil which leaves me alone in my room at times crying because of the pain some have had to endure.
And I think back feeling fulfilled Because although I been apart from my love ones for so much time. I have the memories of love, commitment and struggle that add the sun to a gloomy day Gracias my friends, for always being there.
The Littlest Warrior By Dylcia Pagan
Many moments of my days are spent contemplating your face I remember your beaming eyes and precious nose Your strong little body, which at an early age had the semblance of strength You had a gaiety in your soul, That led me to believe that warrior genes are happy ones. I remember your first step, Your first words of defiance: “No Mama” you proclaimed.
Early on you had a softness about you that I shared when you caressed me, seeking comfort in my arms and at times just comforting me.
Yes you have comforted me although I never asked because we have been intertwined with each other since the first moment of your existence.
And now you have reached the age of reason, But I know not what you look like or where you are.
I envision you with curled locks of dark mahogany- with a halo of red sparks! Hands, strong, capable of holding a gun. Limber, ready to move Joyful, because you possess a spirit of triumph and victory (it is difficult to write of you because when I begin to express that which I hold inside, emotionally I am over whelmed)
I wonder if you know our names That of your true parents You have come from an act of Love- totally conscious of your birth, You were chosen to be born- contrary to all the obstacles in the way You arrived, ”Triumphantly” You were embraced by our comrades Our friends. You Are Our Little Warrior Before you is a challenge, my Son, a responsibility to yourself and our people. Right now this may not be clear to you, In due time as you continue to grow, you too will see the necessity for change.
Even though I have not glanced in your eyes Or held you in my arms Or cared for you in times of fear or hurt, I have done so in my mind because I feel your spirit in me.
You are a fortunate child, because many love you. Some have crossed your path, Others extend their love for you by their commitment to struggle.
Oh little Warrior of My heart I embrace you from a distance Hold you in my heart, Awaiting the time when we will meet again, eye to eye, spirit to spirit.
I will know you at first glance, At any given moment; Because I have seen you In the children of the world of struggle Happy Birthday Hijo Querido February 28, 1986
10 YEARS IN FREEDOM DYLCIA PAGAN
FREEDOM COMES FROM OUR SOULS IT A PART OF OUR ESSENCE FREEDOM!
AT TIMES, WE SUFFER FOR FREEDOM AND THE END RESULTS IS ALWAYS BENEIFICAL. FREEDOM!
ONCE I ARRIVED TO BORINQUEN I FELT FREEDOM IMMEDIATELY IN MY HEART BECAUSE OUR PEOPLE RECEIVED ME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WITH HEARTFELT EMBRACES. FREEDOM!
ONE THING I HAVE REALISED IS THAT I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FREE EVEN WHILE INCARCERATED UNDER THE WORST OF CONDITIONS. FREEDOM!
PERSONAL FREEDOM COMES FROM WITHIN; WHEN ONE IS CLEAR ABOUT WHAT ONE BELEIVES IN. I BELIEVE IN THE FREDDOM OF MY HOMELAND, PUERTO RICO. FREEDOM!
PEORPLE SAY THAT I HAVE A WAY OF BEING THAT IS STRONG YET TENDER. I TRY TO ALLOW MY HEAERT TO ALWAYS GUIDE ME. FREEDOM!
I HAVE WALKED THE STREETS OF SAN JUAN, GUANICA, YAUCO, JAYUYA. ADJUNTAS, LAS MARIAS I HAVE SEEN EVERYDAY THE NEED FOR FREEDOM. FREEDOM!
PUERTO RICO APPEARS TO BE FREE. OUR PEOPLE SMILE, DANCE, PARTY AND SHARE. YET OUR COUNTRY IS STILL NOT FREE. WE REMAIN A COLONY OF USA, NEVER BEING ABLE TO HAVE SELF DETERMINATION. FREEDOM!
IN TEN YEARS I HAVE WITNESS MANY BEUATIFUL AWAKENINGS THE VICTORY OF VIEQUES, THE OUTBURST OF SUPPORT FOR COMANDANTE FELIBERO OJEDA RIOS AFTER HIS ASSASINATION BY THE FBI. FREEDOM! THE STREETS WERE FILLED WITH CHILDREN, ELADERS GOVERNMENT WORKERS, EVEN THE POLICE SALUTED HIS FUNERAL ENTOURAGE. FREEDOM!
AS TIME PASSES THE VICTIMS ARE FORGOTTEN REALITY SETS IN, NOTHING TRULY HAPPENS OR HAS CHANGED CONDITIONS OF POVERTY, POOR HOUSING, MISEDUCATION, CORRUPTION PREVAIL BUT REPRESSION IS ALIVE AND WELL WE MUST CONTINUE FROWARD, NEVER LOOSING OUR SPIRIT TO BE FREE. FREEDOM!
I RESIDE IN LOIZA WHERE THE CIMARRONES LIVED AND THE ESSENCE OF OUR AFRICA ROOTS ARE FROM. YOUNG PEORPLE HERE DON’T KNOW WHO LOLITA LEBRON OR ADOLFINA VILLANUEVA ARE.THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE STUGGLES THEIR ANCESTORS HAVE ENDURED. FREEDOM!
BOMBA AND PLEANAS ARE HEARD ON THE STREETS EVERY WEEKEND. ONCE A YEAR EVERYONE HITS THE STREETS TO CELEBRATE ‘LAS FIESTAS DE LOIZA’ FREEDOM!
I WISH WE COULD CELEBRATE THE BEAUTY OF MOTHER AFICA, EVERYDAY. I WISH WE COULD SHOW OUR CHILDREN THE BEAUTY OF FREEDOM EVERYDAY IN THE SCHOOLS, THE STREETS, THE LIBRARY, IN OUR PLAZAS. FREEDOM!
A FREEDOM THAT ENCOMPASSES, WHY THEY ARE SO BEAUTIFUL AND ALIVE. WHY THEIR BODIES MOVE TO UNKNOWN RYTHMS WHY THEIR SKIN IS IN SHADES OF LUCIOUS CHOCOLATE WHY THE VEIGIGANTES SHOULD BE THEIR HEROES WHY THE VEIGIGANTES SHOULD BE CALLED LOVE WHY EVERY FEMALE SHOULD KNOW SHE IS A CASICA FREEDOM!
FREEDOM IS SOMETHING THAT COMES FROM ONES SOUL MY SOUL TELLS THAT OUR BATTLE HAS NOT BEEN WON. WE MUST MAKE FREEDOM A PRIORITY I N OUR LIVES. FREEDOM!
YES A FREEDOM OF SPIRIT TO CHANGE WHAT SURROUNDS US. A CHANGE THAT INCORPORATES ALL OF OUR BEING- MIND BODY AND SOUL. WITHOUT FEARS FREEDOM!
EVERYTHING WE NEED TO ACCOMPLISH IN LIFE HAS A CONSEQUENCE. WE LIVE, WE LOVE, WE WORK, WE CARE, WE FIGHT FOR WHAT IS REAL AND JUST WITH DIGNITY AND COMMITMENT. FREEDOM!
LET US BEGIN TO WALK THE FREEDOM WALK WITH HEADS HELD HIGH COMMITED TO HUMANITY, SELF DETERMINATION AND SELF LOVE. LETS US WALK AND FIGHT FOR A FREE PUERTO RICO FREEDOM! Viva Puerto Rico Libre