Well, let’s just say I’m one of those people who quotes their major.. I’m an English major! Who knew that declaring my love for literature would become my party trick? Anyway, diving into poetry felt like a natural flow, a chance to flex my creative muscles. After all, with the holidays rolling in, a wave of nostalgia swept over me. It’s that time of year when I start missing home, and the unique blend of being US-born with a heart that still beats for the Dominican Republic really started to resonate in my writing.

I had a clear vision for my poem. I wanted to explore the tug-of-war between two cultures, each pulling at my heartstrings in different ways. The challenge was to strike a balance between being specific and leaving some things open to interpretation. That’s the beauty of writing, right? Art is meant to be felt, experienced, and, dare I say, misinterpreted. It’s like a game where everyone gets to play differently, and I’m totally okay with that.

As an English major, I’m practically a professional talker—my thoughts tend to run long, like a good dramatic monologue. But poetry? Ah, poetry is like a tightrope act. How do you make every word count while still capturing the essence of what you feel? I faced this constant battle of pruning my thoughts without losing the special nuances that made them mine. It’s hard! I want to include every little detail, every vibrant image, but sometimes less is more, right?

One of my favorite parts of writing the poem was the inclusion of Frank Sinatra and Frankie Ruiz. Seriously, how beautifully poetic is that juxtaposition? It perfectly encapsulates my identity. I can belt out Sinatra’s smooth crooning while equally losing myself in the fiery rhythms of Ruiz. Both artists represent different sides of me—one the smooth sophistication of classic Americana, the other the vibrant heartbeat of my Dominican roots. It’s a beautiful contradiction, and capturing that in a few lines felt like magic.

As I crafted the lines, I found joy in blending both musical styles into my narrative. It was a delightful reminder that I can love both cultures equally and that there’s no need to choose. Each has shaped who I am, and in that overlap, I found something beautiful. It’s a reminder that identity isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven from various threads.

Throughout this process, I realized that writing is not just about conveying information or telling a story. It’s about capturing the essence of who we are, the emotions we carry, and the experiences that shape us. It’s a way to connect with others and maybe, just maybe, make them feel a little less alone in their own journeys.

So, here I am, an English major who talks a lot, trying to condense my sprawling thoughts into a poem that holds a piece of my heart. It was challenging, enlightening, and a whole lot of fun! As I look at my final piece, I hope it resonates with others, inviting them into my world while allowing them to find their own reflections in the lines.

Anyways below I provided my poem, enjoy!

In between worlds –

I sip iced coffees, rich and cold on a whim,
Chasing summer vibes that feel foreign and dim.
Christmas bells ring, but I celebrate on Christmas Eve,
On the twenty-fifth, feels like my fate.

My laughter is loud, with a heart full of fire,
In vibrant gatherings, I never tire.
But in quiet moments, loneliness creeps in,
Caught in two worlds, where do I begin?

Is it wrong to love Frank Sinatra, his smooth, crooned sway,
As much as I cherish Frankie Ruiz’s play?
Salsa and swing blend, they twist and they sway,
In a fusion of rhythms, I find my own way.

Yet, in the silence, I feel the divide,
Between cultures that clash, I often hide.
The laughter fades, and I search for a face,
Someone who knows this complicated space.

So here I stand, in this liminal light,
A child of the ocean, the city’s delight.
Though neither feels home, I’m learning to roam,
In the mix of my worlds, I’m carving my own.

In the embrace of music, Im searching for my song.

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