Proud To Be Puerto Rican Poem by louis rams

(4/4/13)
Our island is known as the island of enchantment
Of men and women who fight to be free.
Our roots are deep, our foundation is strong
This is our heritage and with others we’ll get along
But don’t try to step on our dignity or put us down
We are not a doormat that you can put to the ground.
Many of us are nuyoricans Bronx born
We will not be looked down upon or be scorned.

We are from an island, not a large nation
But we have seen enough of burnt out buildings and devastation
From the ashes we will rise like the tallest of trees
With our roots planted deep into the ground
And wherever you go we’ll be found.
We are spreading our wings like a bird in flight
Showing our strength, showing our might

You’ll hear our music, you’ll see our dance
You’ll feel the sensation of romance.
We are PUERTO and NUYORICANS
And a better life we are seeking.
We have overcome hate, oppression depression
And recession, and fear, and are still here amongst our tears.
The DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK TIMES, and the NEW YORK POST
Were the ones who discriminated the most?
Any Hispanic who was caught committing a crime
Was classified as a Puerto Rican
And this injustice we are seeking.

MIGUEL PINERO did drugs and some time
And had a criminal mind, but he was a poet
Playwright and actor too.
He opened the doors for me and you.

So it is time my brothers and sisters to get off your asses
And show that we are here to stay
And our minds and souls, they can’t take away.

© L. RAMS