Old Havana It's You I Miss

Old Havana it's been a long, time,
since I felt your love.
 Your warm oceans, and island breeze,
Is never enough.

You soothe my soul with your calming seas,
 and your soft raindrops, make me
feel at ease.

I can see Mr Hemingway sipping on Rum.
Writing away, till the morning sun.

There are fiestas and tourist
in the market square.
Old Havana, Please take me there.

The Cuban people always so
kind.
On this little island, time left behind.

Antique cars from a different past.
Old Havana, when you were your
best.

There is Spanish cooking in the
air.
The smell of fried plantains, and
Chorizo everywhere. 

Senora will you have this dance
with me?
Cuban rhythms we enjoy, dancing in 
the streets.

Her eyes are dark and her skin so tanned,
I wish this moment to never end.

The blue ocean beckons us for a swim, 
 savoring these waves, serenely rolling in.

A glass of Bacardi rum to ease my mind,
wishing to savor this moment, for a long
long time.

Listening to a Salsa Cuban Band 
by the  ocean.
While watching the sunset sinking and
touching our inner emotions.

Old Havana , please welcome me.
It is you my love, I've waited so long
to see..
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

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

Anaya Avatar
June 29, 2023 at 9:05 AM
Sounds to me like you have been to paradise, Michael. Your wonderful memories of Havana have touched me and has made me wanting comida Cubana! I hear Cuba is NOT off-limits to Americans! Enjoyed! Anaya Papaya:)
Tor Avatar
July 3, 2023 at 9:30 PM
I love comida Cubana Anaya. It is a beautiful paradise and the people are Saints. Love the people that are like family, and the food is to die for. Thank you for experiencing Havana with me...
Dietrich Avatar
October 19, 2017 at 9:05 PM
Michael, I have only just now read your reply to my comment made so long ago here!! I wish I had Spanish blood in me. I admire the "dark look" of central and southern americans. Thanks for that information about Cuba. Wish I could look for a poem of yours to read but hubbie is walking in the door at any moment and I need to finish supper!!! Have a nice Friday.
Tor Avatar
October 20, 2017 at 3:38 AM
Thank you Andrea for your response, it was very kind.. Your hubbie needs his dinner and that is important. If you ever get a chance go to Cuba you will have a memory to cherish...
Inman Avatar
May 9, 2016 at 8:21 AM
Great write Michael. A bit of trivia. Walt Disney and his wife used to like visiting Havana, Cuba before the revolution and San Juan, PR after it. Havana has the Spanish Fort "Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro" and San Juan has "Castillo San Felipe del Morro" both of which are called El Morro for short. At Disney World in the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in Magic Kingdom above the Archway at the main entrance is the name El Morro.
Tor Avatar
May 17, 2016 at 10:48 AM
Thanks for sharing James a great piece of information. Interesting facts obviously there is a copy cat out there lol. Cuba is so beautiful. The people are the best they are poor but their hearts are bigger than any fortune one can amass. Hope you are well my friend.
Sietesantos Avatar
April 1, 2016 at 4:03 PM
What a wonderful tribute to Cuba!! So lovely and nostalgic! I hope that one day I will get the opportunity to visit. I eat Cuban food quite frequently y me gusta la comida - frijoles negros con arroz, cerdo asado, maduras plátanos, yuca en salsa de ajo, etc, etc.! Que bueno!!!! A-7 for sure! Warmest regards. Pandita
Tor Avatar
April 2, 2016 at 5:44 PM
Pandita you made my appetite go crazy with your comment lol. You surely know good food. That you for your tasteful remark. God bless you.
La France Avatar
March 16, 2016 at 9:14 AM
Michael, wow, this is amazing , you make me want to hop a plane and go to Cuba, a wonderful 7 and a big CONGRATULATIONS ~
Tor Avatar
March 17, 2016 at 10:42 PM
Thank you very much Constance. If you ever get a chance try a little taste of paradise.
Dietrich Avatar
March 5, 2016 at 6:34 PM
wow, this one has such feeling in it. I love it and it makes me want to go there. Are you Cuban? I see you won in this contest. Unless it was a contest where we all got first or second place, this one was truly deserving of a high spot. Congrats.
Tor Avatar
March 5, 2016 at 7:46 PM
Thank you Andrea. Coming from you it is very special. I want to congratulate you on being the number one contest winner of lately and all time. That is quite an achievement. I have french and Spanish Heritage. My grandfather on my dads side was from Spain and my Grandfather on my mother side was from France. I really enjoyed Cuba, and I can relate to this beautiful island that time left behind. If you have never been there to sum it up in three words, it is paradise. The Cuban people are so caring and kind. They are all friendly and they really make you feel at home. The cab driver my dad had was a medical Dr who was a surgeon who drove taxi to supplement his income. The people there are highly educated. Cuba is one of the Countries that Has one of the highest percentages of Dr's per population. That is because education is free. I have never been treated so well by a group of people than the experience I had in Cuba.
A   Avatar
February 21, 2016 at 10:32 PM
Michael, thanks for the reply
Tor Avatar
February 22, 2016 at 5:53 AM
Your welcome Dear, God bless you...
A   Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 9:39 PM
Michael, Congratulations on your awesome "Vacation WIN!" LINDA
Tor Avatar
February 21, 2016 at 7:06 PM
Hi Linda thank you so much for your kind comments.
Kendrick Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 3:18 PM
Vacations varied/ vacations great all who won are on the winners’ page..Congrats..Sara
Tor Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 8:59 PM
Hi Sara thank you for your kind comments. God bless you.
Scars Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 11:00 AM
Michael, Havana sounds wonderful..Congrats in your placement :)-luloo *smiles*
Tor Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 9:00 PM
Hello Laura thank you so much for your kind words. They mean so much..
Rycroft Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 10:23 AM
Congrats well done x a beautiful poem well written xxxxx Wendy
Tor Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 9:01 PM
Hi Wendy thank you so much for your kind comment..
Tagore Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 7:46 AM
Wow! How beautifully you have painted with your words. Kudos, Bobby
Tor Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 9:02 PM
Bobby thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your comment.
Lane Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 6:13 AM
Well done and congratulations on placing with this one, Michael. You painted Havana in beautiful colors. Thank you for writing for my contest.
Tor Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 9:03 PM
Lin thank you so much for sponsoring such a lovely contest. Thank you so much for your placement.
Horsman Avatar
February 19, 2016 at 9:24 AM
Your awesome poetry is indeed a wonderful advert for Cuba, yes i also would love to visit...as i will again your poetry
Tor Avatar
February 20, 2016 at 9:05 PM
Thank you so much Harry. I appreciate your kind comments. Thank you so much.
Lamoureux Avatar
February 13, 2016 at 7:45 AM
I almost made it to Cuba but circumstances delayed my plans. One day I hope to walk among her streets and along her shores. This is a good way to whet my appetite!
Tor Avatar
February 13, 2016 at 10:09 AM
Richard I will tell you, you will not be disappointed. The water is crystal clean no pollution (no factories) Some of the best natural fruit drinks in the world, Papaya, Guanabana, Coconut, Mango, so many more. The people are the best and the food is to die for. Of all the places I have been to this is my favorite. The scenery and the music is so inviting. Everyone almost speak English and the people value The Canadians so much, they were one of the first to visit there and the Cubans admire the Canadians so much. Enjoy my friend have the roasted pork and arroz con frijoles.
Andresen Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 3:54 PM
- Sounds like a lovely place - A great poem, Michael - Good luck in the contest - I wish you a lovely weekend and a romantic Valentine :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Tor Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 4:09 PM
Hi Anne-Lise thank you so much for your sweet thoughts. I also wish you a wonderful Valentine with that special person. Lots of sweet chocolate and Champagne. God bless you.
Pinet Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 2:35 PM
The longing for remembered feelings that live as special touches that caress the soul and sting the heart with their impact is experienced with the author as we are privy to his private thoughts. Great work that awakens the past and reflects on the future in the same breath of recognition as the reality of today. Emile.
Tor Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 4:26 PM
My comment skipped Emile read below thanks my friend.
Tor Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 4:05 PM
Tim my friend I saw the same documentary. Cuba is so beautiful no pollution there. The oceans are crystal clear. The tropical fruits are wonderful. Fresh coconut water freshly cut from a tree. Mangoes ripe and sweet. The food is incredible. I pray communism will end or at least became more democratic. Thanks for visiting Tim. I've been busy sorry for not stopping by, but now I'm able to be there.
Tor Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 3:35 PM
Emile perfect words from your gifted mind. I don't think you can describe my thoughts any better than how you have here Emile. I ALWAYS APPRECIATE your insightful comments. Thank you for taking your valued time to post these valued comments. Be well my friend.
Smith Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 2:30 PM
I just happened to watch a documentary on Cuba a couple weeks ago. The hopeful influx of tourism with allowing US Citizens to visit. Excellent poem Michael.
Tor Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 4:27 PM
Tim my comment skipped please read above thanks my friend.
Roper Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 11:27 AM
Michael, you have set a wonderful place to be. Good luck in the contest!
Tor Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 5:50 PM
Hi Eve missed your writings Hon. Have to come and visit. I'm finally caught up with everything. God bless you Eve.
Yuhas Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 11:23 AM
You are now again welcomed with open arms, good one.
Tor Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 11:39 PM
Thank you Pete. I really appreciate your kind comments.
Trifiatis Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 8:47 AM
How wonderful to see you back, my friend, Michael and how beautiful to bring us the breeze of Havana! I loved this uplifting and full of joy writing! A seven!
Tor Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 11:44 PM
Demetrios thank you my friend. I am glad you enjoyed this Vacation write about Havana. Love the island someday want to go back. Love the beautiful island and the food, and mostly the wonderful Cuban people.
Vaso Avatar
February 11, 2016 at 10:14 PM
Hi Michael, as I have been all over Cuba many times, this poem resonates well with me, and feeds me beautiful memories. I have sat in the very chair of Ernest Hemingway many a time and confess followed in his footsteps, at least at that bar!
Tor Avatar
February 12, 2016 at 1:40 AM
Arthur I envy you. I am glad we shared Cuba. I guess we both have been lucky. Thanks for sharing my friend.
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