Jesse Mavro Diamond ‘s poetry has been published in many journals in The U.S. Her awards include first place in Eidos magazine’s international poetry competition for “A Very Sober Story,” The Tennessee Williams Literary Festival’s “One of Ten Best Poems in the U.S.” for “Swimming The Hellespont. She was a finalist for 2014 Lascaux Poetry Prize and included in The Lascaux Prize Anthology 2014 for “Chetwynd Morning.” “An Elegy for Devron,” was musically scored by composer Mu Xuan Lin and premiered at Jordan Hall in 2008. For many years, Mavro Diamond has taught writing courses in Boston area colleges and high schools. She currently teaches English at Boston Latin School.

Luis Daniel

Remember when I told you what it was like in P.R.?
Pequeña cuidad, pequeñas mentes*
You said, But this is Florida!
Land of the free! For you I choose Declaration by Cartier,
Because you have declared your freedom!
Carlito, now it is my turn to sell this to you.
Imagine: a child, a family,
A rich life is the most intense perfume.
Don’t close your eyes,
Be brave, say Si.
Say after me, Si, Si claro.
Come closer.
I can’t hear you.
Whisper your declaration in my ear.