Cuba 1958

Cuba 1958

I remember it like the day before yesterday Cuba 1959. Batista, 
the corrupt dictator, had fled, but this was revenge time and 
many of his collaborators were rounded up and shot; and what 
often happen in such occasions there were onlookers cheering 
and having their bloodlust satiated. 

There was one man, man wearing a panama hat in his left hands, 
refusing to wear a blindfold or have his hands tied behind his back.
On top of some steps he stood against a white wall, ready, but 
there was a hesitation; waved his hat to the weary executioners. 
A volley of fire, blood trickled down the steps, deep red, rich. 

They but the body in a coffin, but there was silence, one man’s 
courage had shamed onlookers and soldiers into pensive silence.
The revolution didn’t matter anymore, but human dignity did…
Is this all, does nothing change have we just ended one dictator 
 with another one in the name of the people.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Bauer Avatar
June 1, 2012 at 12:14 PM
this is a powerful image and i love that man for waving his hat. how courageous of him! sadly, your conclusion is very true, though.
Hansen Avatar
June 1, 2012 at 1:22 PM
Thank you iLene...When Fidel took over I had high hpes that there sooner or later be democratic elections, alas it never happened Cuba today has a health service and an educationel second to none, but no freedom, which is the oxygen we all need.
Collins Avatar
June 1, 2012 at 9:18 AM
Jan - The wave of a hat - same outcome as the others. Human dignity stopped the crowd for a bit. A little like 1914 Christmas truces. I think it made the killing worse putting human faces on the enemy. What difference does it make? I'm feeling cynical. love, Kathy
Hansen Avatar
June 1, 2012 at 9:43 AM
yes it is easy to get cynical my dear
Brown Avatar
June 1, 2012 at 9:10 AM
I have enjoyed reading your excellent writing this morning Jan. I hope you will continue to write and share your words with us for many years to come. Have a wonderful weekend filled with joy and love. Love, Carol
Hansen Avatar
June 1, 2012 at 9:43 AM
thank my dear, I will do my best
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