Luis the Poet
by Cheri Randolph
Title
Luis the Poet
Artist
Cheri Randolph
Medium
Photograph
Description
I have to tell the story of my encounter with Luis, the poet/taxi driver in Trinidad, Cuba. I was traveling with my friend, Luis, who is a medical doctor in Louisiana, and we began a conversation with the taxi operator. Notice the construction of his haphazard push cart taxi, as well as his shoes which have been worn down by the cobbled streets as he pushes visiting tourists around the city. When Luis learned that we were from Louisiana, he produced a wonderfully bound leather book containing his hand-written poetry. He became very animated as he shared one of his selections about our state, Louisiana. Since my friend, Luis, is of Cuban heritage, he was able to roughly translate:
"Not far from where the Mississippi dies,
Lifts the urban blanket of New Orleans,
Because this is how she prefers it.
Also, this river is loved by its capital center Baton Rouge,
Whose fluvial path is marvelous,
like a leafy tree which produces divine fruit."
This is but one of the incredible examples of the artistry and beauty that I found among the Cuban people while recently visiting there. Never would I have imagined that this humble man was so poetic. I came away with a sincere love of the people and the country, and I felt the need to share those experiences with as many people as possible.
Uploaded
May 3rd, 2012
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Comments (20)
Barbara McMahon
Cheri, What a wonderful capture of this gentleman. I urge everyone to view your Cuba series. It is spectacular! I especially enjoyed your narrative and tribute to that beautiful country. Fortunately Canadians are able to visit Cuba and during my 4 stays I can attest to your description of a people and country with a "joie de vivre" despite hard living conditions. Art and music play a huge role in their happiness. I'm so delighted that you have captured such magnificent images for the world to see. v for entire gallery!
Cheri Randolph replied:
Barbara, WOW! What a glowing compliment! I am honored by your words. Thanks so much for your generous support of the work as well.
Cheri Randolph
Susan, thanks for appreciating this one. It is special to me because of my memories of Luis - such a nice guy.
Susan Richardson
Cheri, just wonderful...and the girl with the blue umbrella showed up at just the right time! I was going to ask where this was, but now I understand it was Cuba. The whole image is poetry.
Cheri Randolph
Madalena, thanks for your comment. This man, Luis, was such a personable guy that I don't think I will ever forget him. You are welcome about the comment, your work is beautiful!
Madalena Lobao-Tello
Fantastic capture! Great image!! F/V.........Thank you so much your wonderful comment in my work! You know, I love your critics!
Cheri Randolph
Kym, I think that you're probably correct. Luis was the neatest guy - so friendly and very sincere. I really enjoyed meeting him.
Kym Backland
This taxi driver is fantastic! You can just feel his personality come through. He probably knows "EVERYONE" in town. Excellent subject and perspective Cheri!
Cheri Randolph
Priya, Thanks for your comment and for visiting. I'm glad that you found some interesting images in the Cuba Gallery.
Cheri Randolph
Chrisann, I really appreciate your feature of "Luis the Poet" in your group Weekly Fun for All Media.
Cheri Randolph
Marie, I so appreciate your feature of "Luis the Poet" because I wanted viewers to know the artistry and creativity I found among the people of Cuba. Many of whom have so very little, and often create something of grace and beauty, all the while maintaining a cheerful and positive outlook. Thanks!
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