Puerto Rico

I am, I said

I am from Puerto Rico!
I am Boricua!
Our voice filled with pride rides with the wind
it won't stop
Through time it has endured everything
And still can be heard! everywhere!

Yo soy boricua!
Puerto Rico! Borinquen!
Jewel of the Caribbean
Daughter of the sun and the sea
We are Taíno, Indians that lived in harmony with the earth
We are Spanish filled with romantism and within our blood, the burning passion to live
We are African, our music comes from within, its alive, defiant, rhythms and drums beatings of the heart.
Respect, pride and dignity for all to see

Puerto Rico!
Rich in culture, food and music
Full with life and fire
We are unique people
Proud and strong
filled with passion and desire

As I stand before you now
I think of our patria (homeland) so far away
Bits and pieces of laugher and play
Memories here, forever to stay

Borinquen!
Ohh, how I long to feel your touch,
to hear the sound I miss so much
Sun rays prancing on my skin, palm trees swaying in the wind
Drumbeats enticing my blood to dance, Moonlight tempting wild romance

The flapping of wings, a rooster crowing)
Cafe colao in the morning
(Pan Sobao)...hot bread with butter that melts to the touch
and quesitos (pastry with cream cheese ) that I love so much

the ruisenor chirping its praise to the sun
The flamboyant tree calling the shade to have fun
the lizard (chameleon) frozen as part of a tree
the butterfly weaving its dance through its leaves

Nightfall beckons el cantar del coqui
Los grillos (the crickets) join the party and sing
Los cucubanos (fireflies) shower the night with their lights
dancing a salsa throughout their flight

The stars stare in wonder and are all at awe
Agreeing among each other how blessed we are

I am from Puerto Rico!
Yo soy Boricua!
I stand here before you
I say it with pride
And this statement will echo
through endless time