Poems

By Juan Soto-Franco, English Department Adjunct Lecturer Hostos Community College, Fall 2020

Disfruta de un Ritmo Lento

En este mundo tan turbulento, Nada mejor que un ritmo lento Para balancear la vida nuestra. Llegar así al alma, es un extra.

Esta melodía suave me relaja. El piano toda mi tensión baja. Y me concentro en esa pieza Que pone a flotar mi cabeza.

Ese tecleteo sobre las blancas Y negras, me lleva sobre ancas A espacios de pura serenidad Donde me relajo con libertad.

Por más tenso que sea tu día, Escucha alguna lenta melodía Para que relajes tus tensiones Y se equilibren tus emociones.

Solid, Liquid, Gas: Flexible as Water

Before the pandemic and during the crisis, Being flexible as water resembles an oasis. Students enjoy it when professors extend Deadlines of assignments for the weekend.

They also show their bona fide gratitude, When in the middle of this ironic solitude, Professors divide their office hour in two To dissolve stress and check what is due.

By being flexible, we can be as solid as ice Without taking away the fun of being nice. As liquid, we aid students rinse their sorrow. We spray hopeful gas of a better tomorrow.

What matters, like the states of the matter, Is to be flexible so students climb the ladder With our assistance and become successful In a world that has become more stressful.

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