Blogger's Silent Poetry Reading a la a Cuban-American

I learned this poem as a little girl growing up in Miami. My grandparents and my parents made sure that I was well aware of the rich cuban culture which they unfortunately had to leave behind. My cuban heritage has been a part of who I am my entire life and I feel blessed to be able to share a little piece of it with you all. This poem has always been one of my favorites. Thank you so much Gracie's Poppies for this wonderful idea.

Cultivo Una Rosa Blanca
por José Martí



Cultivo una rosa blanca
en Junio como Enero
para el amigo sincero
que me da su mano franca.
Y para el cruel que me arranca
el corazón con que vivo,
cardo ni ortiga cultivo;
cultivo la rosa blanca.

Translation:
I cultivate a white rose
In July as in January
For the sincere friend
Who gives me his hand frankly.
And for the cruel person who tears out
the heart with which I live,
I cultivate neither nettles nor thorns:
I cultivate a white rose.