A sunny scene with tall palm trees lining a street against a blue sky with some clouds, with the text 'Christmas in Havana' at the top and 'Michael Kim Roos' at the bottom.

Christmas in Havana

Christmas in Havana—
Papa’s grooving through the guanabana grove,
In his mind singing salsa songs with the flow.
Dancing divas as the tortoise crawls,
By the window with the porcelain dolls,
Down to Cojimar where sea foam falls
Like snow. 

Christmas in Havana—
Past the guava and the shredded sugar cane,
Pick a flower from a jacaranda tree.
Young boys swinging laughing girls,
Tropic breezes blowing through their curls,
Long ladies with their necklace pearls
Floating free. 

From San Francisco to Maria del Mar,
Follow footsteps of Gregorio.
Raise the colors of the good Pilar,
And a-fishing we’ll go. 

Christmas in Havana—
Double daiquiris at the Floridita Bar,
Plantains and tamales in Cubano style.
Sun rising on a silver sea,
Parse the secrets of infinity,
Go to sleep beneath a coconut tree
With a smile. 

31 July – 1 November 2024

Copyright © 2024 by Michael Kim Roos