When you live in Saint John, you do not always see the daily struggles of the Cuban people. But for local Cuban artists, the stories of blackouts, hunger and shrinking opportunities continue to shape their work.

Alicia de Jesus Wilson carries Cuba with her through her poetry. She left the country 15 years ago. Wilson recently organized a gathering of Spanish speaking poets and artists at a Saint John public library. The evening filled the room with poetry, music and memories. As reported by CBC News, the event gave local Cuban artists a space to process the ongoing crisis in their home country.

Finding Hope Through Words

At the core of Wilson’s poetry is a powerful message. She often repeats the phrase that poverty does not take your dreams away. Poetry offers her a way to face painful realities without surrendering to them.

“You can talk about harsh things in a romantic way,” Wilson said. “You can talk from your heart and make things more acceptable for people to hear and understand.”

Wilson stays in regular contact with people in Cuba. She watches conditions deteriorate rapidly, especially in the years since the COVID 19 pandemic. Cuba faces repeated power outages and severe shortages. A nationwide grid failure in August left millions without electricity. Basic necessities become increasingly difficult to find.

“Cuba is no more a resort place,” Wilson said. “It is a place of poverty, a place of sadness.”

The crisis weighs heavily on young people. They wonder whether years of education will lead to a better life. Doctors and engineers earn very little despite their extensive training.

The Harsh Reality of Home

Maria Perez Ramirez is another Cuban poet living in Saint John. She brought her own story of loss to the gathering. She worries about a close friend in Cuba who struggles to get enough food.

“He was like a brother to me,” Perez Ramirez said. “And now he’s not even the resemblance of what he used to be. He’s so skinny, scrawny.”

She notes he sometimes has little more than a potato or sweet potato to eat. He lacks pepper, spices or milk. Perez Ramirez says her friend battles depression as he struggles to find a way forward.

Building Community in Saint John

For both poets, the gathering meant more than sharing art. It provided a way for Cuban immigrants to recognize the grief of their peers and find strength in being together.

This sense of community helps ease the trauma of leaving home. Wilson believes that being back with her community inspires everyone to move forward from their shared trauma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Cuban artists gather in Saint John?

Spanish speaking poets and artists gathered at a Saint John public library to share poetry, music and memories. The event helped them process the ongoing crisis in Cuba and find strength in community.

What challenges are people in Cuba currently facing?

Cuba faces severe shortages of basic necessities, food scarcity and repeated power outages. A nationwide grid failure recently left millions without electricity.

How does poetry help these immigrants?

Poetry allows them to express painful realities in a way that is easier to hear and understand. It helps them process the trauma of leaving home and connect with others who share their grief.