HAVANA (Day #13 poem about a city)

History crumbles away when it rains.
Marble stairways are cracked; streets need repair.
Yet in narrow alleys, doors are open
Friends, neighbors, strangers, dancing without care.
The salt water spray on the Malecon
Doesn't stop the trumpet player playing,
And there's always time for conversation
Over some rum, and maybe a cigar.
Beautiful city, beautiful people.
I hope I will be back again someday.


Caren E. Salas

We met a new friend, Luis, playing his trumpet on the Malecon.

He invited us to his house for dinner with his family - yes, that kind of stuff really happens.

Photos by William Salas

Just a Dream

Sometimes I think

It was just a dream

Another life

Me, imagining.

My dancing shoes

Have gathered dust

My singing voice 

Is a little rusty.

My body is tired.

My song is sad;

A quiet echo

Of what once I had.

But still I try

No giving in,

Discouraged by

What could have been.

It may not end 

The way I planned,

But I'm on my feet

And I can make a stand.

And if I can stand,

Then I can dance.

Another show.

Another chance.

I refuse to quit.

No surrendering,

And never stop

Remembering...

That once I thought

It was just a dream

Another life

Me, imagining.

Caren E. Salas

Photo: CSUDH  "A Chorus Line" 1988

A New Song to Sing

I have a new song to sing

And a new dream I'm dreaming;

In my heart, rhythms beating

I haven't known in so long;

So long, almost forgotten,

Almost, but not completely.

Feelings deep inside of me

For years, buried underneath

But now the spark's ignited,

And the flame grows everyday.

My "new" dream isn't so new

And the song, a deja vu.

  Caren E. Salas

Theater Student - Day 13

Dance practice: 5 hours a day - 3 days a week. Mandatory.
Voice lessons: 2 hours a day - 2 days a week. Mandatory.
Acting class: 1 1/2 hours a day - 5 days a week. Mandatory.
Help with set construction and costume crew: Mandatory.
Rehearsals: 4-5 hours a day - 5-6 days a week. Mandatory.
Other courses you need for your degree: Only when necessary.
Homework from said other courses: As needed.
Going out after rehearsals for booze and/or coffee (usually in that order): As often as possible.

Eating and sleeping. Optional.



Caren E. Salas


Today's prompt was to write a poem about something "optional" which made me think about my college days. There was always so much to do, I barely had time to eat and sleep!