784 MICHIGAN QUARTERLY REVIEW
only a minor life
the gratitude that never hurries of the islands in me.
From Arsenio Cicero Cristobal, ed., Poemas Transitorios: Antologia de
Nuevos Poetas Cubanos (Merida, Spain: Ediciones Mucuglifo, 1992).
LETTER TO A WOMAN FRIEND
Marilyn in this city there are lots of men
infinite numbers of men colossal
magnificent giant. we have them made of stone
and also of course of flesh.
I don't know how to look at them and they don't see me
they don't even suspect that I touch them
undress them but
they've got cars suitcases
or they're in a hurry.
they don't know how much I suffer
because the one I want might get confused
and pass by forever unnoticed.
don't laugh I'm going to step out with a sign
discreetly in various languages
I'll hang it from my heart
with serpents and lights:
THE WOMAN YOU SEARCH FOR IS ME
(a peddler of watches
in the middle of the desert).
Translated by Ruth Behar
From Reina Maria Rodriguez, Para un cordero blanco (Havana: Casa de las
Americas, 1984)
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