Bacalao on the Balcony

The cod was desalinated, 

Cooked and seasoned to perfection, 

Ready for another Christmas Eve celebration.

It was time to cool it off,

Let the flavors continue settling in the pot

So the next day it could make a splash at Grandma and Grandpa’s.

But, but, there is no room in the refrigerator.

It’s already full with all kinds of other food we’ll need 

For this most special of holidays and the rest of the weekend.

There is no room in the refrigerator for the bacalao, 

But it’s not the first time in history needed room was not available,

We must improvise, make do with an alternate plan that will work well.

It’s nearly freezing outside,

Why don’t we just put it on our balcony

And hope none of our neighbors notice and complain?

The bacalao is very cold in the morning,

We put it back on the stove top with a low flame,

Thinking how tasty it will be on this Christmas Eve.

Tomatoes, peppers, onions, green olives, 

Potatoes, celery, sazon and cod simmering together,

In one big pot to make an amazing bacalao stew for all to enjoy! 

Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American

My debut book, Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American, is now available in print and digital formats! This memoir -- the most challenging writing project I've undertaken since first learning the English language -- is the book I was meant to write. It includes a few excerpts from my 1400 Characters blog and Facebook posts over the years. Comprised of 21 photos and 57,470 words spread over 200 pages, many English-language readers around the world will find this "memoir with a twist" interesting and informative, and perhaps more.

For more information about my book, including how to obtain a paperback copy or digital download, go to www.charleslopezbruns.com.

Seeing Clearly Now

I can see clearly now the mask has gone away 

And stopped fogging up my glasses.

I can walk down the boardwalk

While breathing in the fresh air.

I can sit down with family and friends

Close enough to clearly hear what they say.

No, the coronavirus pandemic isn’t quite over

But I can sense the end is near.

People are having fun together again

I know because I can see the smile on their faces.

We’re resuming business as usual

As more of us return to our workplaces.

The concerts have returned to the park

And the shows are coming back to Broadway.

They’re playing baseball for fans in stadiums 

And new movies in the cinema theaters.

We’re even able to see old cars along the beach

And read new poems in person for others to hear.

I can also see more clearly than ever the power of science

Applied by smart, hardworking and dedicated people.

I can also see more clearly now the value of healthcare professionals,

And the importance of those we refer to as essential workers,

Whether they have Ph.Ds or high school degrees,

Regardless of whether they are paid thousands or hundreds each week.

I can see more clearly now why we need to hug,

And why we need to be in the presence of others.

I can see more clearly the present and the now

And the gift of life we should cherish every day,

The love we should not hold back from those dear to us,

Or the care for one another we should willingly provide.

I can see clearly now the mask has gone away,

The trees seem greener, the flowers prettier,

Birds are more noticeable, the sound of the ocean louder.

People look more beautiful, simple pleasures more precious.

Can the world be a better place for us who survived

And make us more grateful than ever to be alive?

Copyright Charles A. Bruns, 2021