Daniel Vega

9823 Quartz Avenue

Northridge, California
Richard Blanco
272 East West Street
North, South Dakota
September 5th, 2014
Dear Richard Blanco,
I recently read your poem America and I cant believe how relatable it is to myself. I am
Cuban myself and many of these words you used have been said around my household for many
years. I actually have a similar story regarding peanut butter too! In your second stanza, I can
smell the caf Cubano and the Cuban cigars in my mind. Describing American history to my
parents was a common thing in my household and having a traditional Thanksgiving was
practically nonexistent. Also, in the dinner table an insult will be uttered by someone at the table
but its something that we are all used to. I couldnt really relate to the third stanza. Both my
parents speak perfect English and I was never really look at as the stereotypical Hispanic but I
guess thats just one way we differ!
I found it very interesting that you italicized the Spanish words. I think that was a very smart
way of showing your culture and making sure it was noticed. Words like guayabanera, yuca con
mojito, and abuelita really hit home with me. I was hoping there would be more details about the
family. Maybe age or status in society. I couldnt get a picture of some of the characters, like Tio
Carlos and Toti, in my head. One thing that made this poem so great was the visualizations and I
wasnt able to visualize some of it, which I found odd.
The stanzas are a very weird, yet cool way to write the poem. I think it made the poem easier to
understand. Ive never seen a poem written in this way, and I hope to read more in the same
style. This one poem really inspired me to read your other work. I have started reading Looking
for the Gulf Motel and I am loving it! Also your Boston Strong: The Poem was very heartfelt.
Just from reading one of your poems, I was able to expand onto you your other works and I am
glad that I did!
Ive never been great with poems. I usually find them difficult to understand, but yours was just
so clear. Im not sure if its because if can relate to it or if its because of your writing style. Im
leaning towards it being relatable. If I wasnt Cuban, Im not sure if I would be able to relate to
your poem. I guess it was just meant to be! With all the fussy uncles and weird food, it just
seems to be aimed at my. Its just too perfect!
It confuses me why you chose to write this as a poem, and not a short story. I believe this would
be the perfect topic for a story. Youd be able to write more on a subject and be more detailed.
This poem just left me wanting more, which I guess did its job. I just wish I got more because I
love the topic.

Even though you were very visual, you werent descriptive. I dont mean that as an insult, I just
think if someone didnt understand the topic, they would be very confused on what is going on.
For example, if someone didnt understand what some of the words in Spanish meant, it could be
confusing. I think its a simple fix, but its more of a preference. I, personally, like to be clear
when I write. Sometimes its a weakness, because I just ramble on but that is my writing style.
I just want to thank you for your time and opening my world to your poetry. You wrote on a
subject the related to me on a personal level and on a physical level. The way you formatted your
poem was something that will stick to me and I might try to emulate your style in the near future.
This poem, and your other ones too, are amazing and are worth a read. Thanks again for taking
your time and reading this and best of luck to you and your future.
Sincerely,

Daniel Vega