Kim Rodrigues Poet Free verse

Guests of Embera Drua

GUESTS OF EMBERA DRUA

We are guests in this village on the Chagris River shore.
Tribe members of Embera Drua twist palms of Panama -

embrace us each, with this wreath of scented flora,
language barriers break down with food and dance.

In this jungle we’ve no need to be formal in dress,
the natives share achiote seeds to redden my lips and cheeks.

And fresh coconut chased down with sips of sugar cane,
plenteous Panamanian fruit, hot lunch served in banana leaves.

Before we position our eyes upon the treasured trades
we are invited to join them for some entertainment.

Our acquaintances in tribal wear, write lyrics upon
their dirt floor ballroom, with calloused feet.

Dressed in paloma skirt and cotton taparabo, men and women
invite tourists to dance with them, as drums pulse and flutes charm.

We will remember the stilted homes of our friends,
dogs lazing underneath the floor, abundance of fruit trees,

a school in development so students can remain with parents
instead of placing sandals upon feet and leaving their family home.

Our dugout canoe glides back to the shore of lily pads,
we swim with invigorated thoughts and gladness.

Kim Rodrigues © 2017

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Jim Yerman June 27, 2024 at 7:03 PM Kim...I love this! It's like I was there with you. :). Jim Yerman Kim Rodrigues June 27, 2024 at 8:10 PM Thank you, Jim! Glad you liked it :)

Freddie Robinson Jr. February 21, 2017 at 12:58 PM A very beautiful and informative poem, Kim. Ty for dropping the knowledge in this Nat'l Geo dispensation of cultural knowledge unknown to a lot of us here at PSoup. I absorb informative poems like yours like a sponge. A terrific poem, I thought I was in the village w/you because of your amazing imagery expressed by your talented pen. A 7 and a fave. Double dip of the chip for you. Love and peace. Kim Rodrigues February 21, 2017 at 2:16 PM Thanks so much! Years ago I never hoped to travel. This was the most interesting. Alaska has bountiful beauty. Feel blessed.