Barbara: Many other countries seem to do a much better job in teaching children to speak in languages other than their native tongue. While I aced my French and Spanish tests, when I went to those countries there’s no way I could have carried on a full conversation. It would have been a plus in my enjoyment of these two musical performances that I saw last week.

The Allen Library presented a performance by a trio of singers of what they called “bolero music.” According to Wikipedia, “Bolero, which originated in eastern Cuba… is characterized by sophisticated lyrics dealing with love. It has been called the “quintessential Latin American romantic song of the twentieth century”. The trio was well received but unfortunately for me, it sounded a lot like mariachi music which is not my favorite.

However, the Buena Vista Social Club, a musical about the origin and history of the original club in Havana Cuba known for Afro-Cuban music and dancing, was very enjoyable. The musicians, singers and dancers were lively and very talented. Again, if I had learned conversational Spanish and could understand the words of the songs it would have added to my enjoyment, but it was still a very fun evening, and the performers received a standing ovation.

POETRY CORNER

We’re having so much fun with this! These are our words/poems for this month:

Laura’s words: name, amuse, weapons, grin

Words can be weapons to deflate one’s soul

But we can’t let them seize negative control.

Words are better used to encourage or amuse

Or to convey other positive thoughts we choose.

Words involve games, and often names

But the best ones make us smile and grin,

And that, my friends, is definitely a win!

Barbara’s words: wide, moment, risking, struggle

I was in a store looking for a gift

When the right moment came for me to shoplift.

I looked at the door – it was open wide.

I took the opportunity to step outside.

The policeman saw me and I knew I was risking

An embarrassing arrest and an uncomfortable frisking.

Thank goodness I woke up so the ensuing struggle

Turned into a yawn and a morning snuggle.