I Only Speak Second Rate Spanish

I    ONLY    SPEAK   SECOND-RATE   SPANISH





I didn’t say it then, but I can say it now -
I can say many things in many languages, and how!
English, Russian, French and the lovely Spanish tongue.
First one  I started with, when I was young, 
Was Spanish  - learned in The States  and 
Obviously Mexican Spanish, perfectly  at  hand  
For communicating with half a billion who likewise speak, 
If  in Latin America and over  world you seek.

I  chanced  to meet   a long-lost acquaintance,
A snobbish woman of little real substance,
Who spoke  Spanish and we  practised our learned word.
Oh, she says, you speak only Mexican Spanish.  She demurred
     -	 Not real Spanish………
Actually what she thaid wath, “You thpeak Mekthican Thpanish”
Real  Thpanish  ith  called   Cathtellano……
You would not be underthtood in Thpain, oh no!”

I obviously  disappointed her with my inferior ability
She certainly disappointed me with her snobbery.
Now I can say that speaking Spanish is a pleasure
But  thpeaking Thpanish is a torture.
The people of  Thpain will have to be denied my voice
But the billion others may  hear its song and joys.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Brown Avatar
December 29, 2010 at 4:08 AM
Congratulations on your win in Paula Swanson's "You Can Say It Now" contest Sydney. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
December 21, 2010 at 7:38 AM
Congrats Syd on your wonderful win in Paula's contest with this brilliant entry and write ... enjoy another top ten victory and success with luv..
Dietrich Avatar
December 20, 2010 at 8:29 PM
oh, and CONGRATULATIONS! (I find Mexican spanish so much easier to understand that Castellano)
Dietrich Avatar
December 20, 2010 at 8:28 PM
hahaha. Vivi en Espana cinco meses en 1974. Recuerdo muy bien "therca" y el THO (para ZOO). que extrano. Nunca tenia la oportunidad de aprendar la lengua muy bien. Me faltaba el tiempo necesario. Tienes que entender espanol mucho mejor que yo y peor, el Espanol fue mi "major" en la universidad. Increible! Pues, tu poema me encanta!
Neels Avatar
December 20, 2010 at 7:36 PM
Congratulations on your win with this clever and witty write Sidney ;) WN
Richards Avatar
December 20, 2010 at 6:12 PM
Love that last stanza....you are so clever! Cute poem, and well done! Congratulations on your win.! Love, Carrie
Devonshire Avatar
December 20, 2010 at 3:37 PM
What an interesting and humorous poem, Syd! Do you really speak all those languages? This lady sounds like quite a snob. Just making an effort to communicate in a foreign language should be appreciated. Congratulations on your well-deserved win! Love, Carolyn
Mehta Avatar
December 19, 2010 at 4:47 AM
very frolicsome, humorous and light poem , Sydney
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace