It has been almost two years since I traveled internationally. Wondrous Tanzania remains seared in my heart for two reasons: it is where I heard the whispers of my ancestors, and it is via that extraordinary trip, I returned home to Borikén. Being in that magnificent East African nation became the impetus for a journey of self-discovery.
All of that brings me to three words: travel ~ home ~ poetry.
That trio is filled with ancestral connection, commitment and patriotism. These are words I use with great reverence because it took me 53 years to understand that this land is home.
As a kid, I remember reciting my first poem, Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken. In middle school, I was a shy little girl. I can still see myself standing at the front of the room in my crisp white shirt, navy blue skirt and Mary Janes. Starting the first verse:
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth
After reading that initial part, I felt an overwhelming confidence. The complete details of that day remain blurry, but I know it was the start of a love affair with poetry.
Fast forward four decades later.
Having visited 35 countries, from Iceland to Perú, Egypt to Argentina, Turkey to Colombia, and a sprinkle of other exciting places in between, each adventure has played a role in bringing poetry back into my life. Recalling meditating at Queen’s Tomb in Giza, I was filled with awe and a pinch of fear. Sitting at the bottom of the space, cross legged, I could feel a strong energy. It was something that has stayed with me.
Dancing tango in Istanbul, one of my favorite places on this earth, bring a smile to my heart. Trekking Vinicunca in the Peruvian Andes is an adventure I thought my turn into my death. With the high altitude causing stress to my breathing, I eventually made it to the peak. It was the experience of hiking, and feeling a desperation that motivated me to write my piece, 4 Letters – about redemption on the mountain.
Travel is something I sometimes use as inspiration for my verses, but now that I’m home, I have other inspiration. Writing about our colonial status, corrupt government, archipelago-wide gentrification has brought another dimension to my words. Highlighting our vibrant culture also impacts my poetry – it is my gift to my ancestors and to those visiting.
Being home is the best piece of poetry I could ever have imagined. Connecting with this ancestral land gives me inspiration for continued verses – revolutionary ones! I have promised Madre Borikén that I will fight for Her independence, for Her & our sovereignty. My poetry is one avenue I’ve chosen to do so.
Coming home, I became a Poet. 🧡
