Kate Campbell

Rosa's Coronas

Kate Campbell


Como estás? 
My name is Rosa 
And like my mother 
Before me
Everyday I roll cigars 
And they're 
The finest in the world
To pass the time 
The reader reads 
About the violence 
In America
And I pray 
For my daughter 
And her baby girl

Late one night 
They took a boat 
Ninety miles 
From Havana
To escape 
The only life 
I've ever known
She could have been 
Just like me 
A well-respected 
Working woman
Who believes 
In her country 
And her home

And I wonder as I roll 
Where will each one go
Will they land 
In the hands of kings 
And presidents
It's an art 
It's a skill 
And some would even kill
Just for one 
Of Rosa's coronas

It's everywhere 
In the news 
That John Paul 
Is on his way
And for years 
I've longed to see 
The Holy Father's parade
We've been told not to go 
Or production falls behind
But I know the quota 
Won't be made that day