In Latin America in general, and Cuba in particular, poets have been the inspiration behind struggles for independence, struggles for freedom of all sorts.

If only the peace I feel right nowcould be stored up and released laterwhen cruelty surrounds mein the darkduring nightmares.

That is how I think of peace and peace of mind-as timid birds that we have to search for, not bold ones that come looking for us.

My mind soarsand whirlsin a danceof wild fearand graceful hope.

Opinions. Ideas. Possibilities. So many! How can I choose? Between bursts of lightning-swift energy, I enjoy peaceful moments when the whole world seems to be a flowing river of verse and all I have to do is learn how to swim.

In Latin America in general, and Cuba in particular, poets have been the inspiration behind struggles for independence, struggles for freedom of all sorts.

I don't understand the whole thrilling verse, but I love the way poetry turns ordinary words into winged things that rise up and soar!