"Mi Isla" by Alberto Garrido

Songs of Eretz Poetry Review is pleased to present “Mi Isla” by Alberto Garrido.  Originally from New Jersey, he is currently studying marketing and advertising in New York City.

"Isla" Watercolor & Graphite on Paper
By J. Artemus Gordon

Mi Isla 

Alberto Garrido

Skies I had never seen before

Land I never felt below my feet

Yet everything was so familiar

La tierra that my dad’s family escaped

I see a familiar flag in the distance

The red triangle mocks me

The government tells me it is for strength 

But I know it is for communism

This country that once thrived

That the whole world rushed to

Now ridden with poverty

Those remaining, dying to leave

Mis primos ask me about the United States

About the Ferraris, the wifi, the pools, the food, la libertad

Things they will never see 

Che’s face looks over those whom he has ruined

A symbol to those who know his face

A monster to those who know his story

But I can’t say any of this

Or I will put us in danger

Celia and Gloria sang their hearts

Now they can never go back

“Mi isla”

I have never been to it

But it feels so familiar

Aquí corre mi herencia

I can feel the tears shed by my Abuela as she boarded the plane

I know everything my Abuelo left behind

I hope that one day

“Mi isla”

Will be what it was

I pray that in

“Mi isla”

People can speak

And say that Fidel was a killer

Yo quiero que “mi isla” sea mi isla un día 

Poet's Notes: Being Cuban on my father's side, I have always heard stories of survival and escape from members of my family. In March of 2017, I had the privilege to see Cuba with my grandfather. Upon being there, I realized how much my family overcame and the major sacrifices they made so that I did not grow up under this system. Seeing my extended family that is still there, I realized how blessed I was to be brought up in a country founded on freedom. This poem deals with my conflicting experiences and emotions on the island.

Editor’s Note:  I am moved by the passion and longing that bleeds and screams through the words of Garrido’s simple, heartfelt poem.  Quiero que su isla sea su isla un día también.