In Cuba

Jim, Paul, and Gary, after a night of music in Trinidad, Cuba.

 I am waiting for a boat

just offshore, stalled

in the fog -

a boat of revolution,

a boat of hope and joy.

I am waiting for the men, for the women,

long hair and beards, smoking

big cigars, who will

ride down from the mountains

on donkeys and mules.

I am waiting for  whole

towns to rise up,

calling for justice, for liberty -

I am waiting for the courage

to step into my own life,

move toward the sound of

people, singing, join them in

our walk to freedom.

Gary Lawless

Trinidad, Cuba

2004