We have received our first submission and we are proud to feature a poem written #LatinoLit member Reynaldo Macias. Here is a little bit about Reynaldo, in his own words:
Putting pen to paper makes my soul take flight. Writing is the expression of BE-ing and being, an affirmation of my relationships, the bonds between those I know and those who know me, that I have no choice but to engage in. Whether it is poetry, prose, commentary, questions or satire, I have to write, to let myself bleed ink, words, ideas…
For more about Reynaldo, you can visit him at the following sites: Twitter, ReynaldoMacias.com, and his blog.
Reynaldo Macias
Here is “voy a la plaza:”
“voy a la plaza” by Reynaldo Macias
the plaza is where little
boys become boys because there are
girls there interested in
glances and laughing
two fingers cautiously thrown up
back, over his shoulder
waving goodbye to his mother father
grandmother sister
waving hello to strange-
ers girls he doesn’t
we don’t
know
“voy a la plaza”
the plaza is green grass
for playing laying talking and
sharing the stars
two fingers carelessly
floating like winds from growing
up
learning to like girls and be
liked by
them
easy smiles and twinkling eyes on
foreign homelands
in Serena the plaza
is where young people play
at being older
re-la-ting to each other like women
and men (almost)
“adonde va, hijo?”
“voy a la plaza”
native tongues
exploring different vowels
sounds exploding with first crushes
brushes with pre-
pubescent (but he’s not ready
for) smiles
hearts fluttering with
an
ti
ci
pa
tion
six legs carrying them from
childhood into boys
and girls are differentnicespecial
confusing
“voy a la plaza”
he’ll be back
never. already
changing when he stepped away
toward the first step
taking flight
his journey
taking him up up up
and away
© Reynaldo A. Macias 2010
To submit, your #LatinoLit story, poem, essay, or artwork, visit Submit, follow us on Twitter, or on Facebook.
Franky Benítez 
Bravo!
Excellent splicing of Spanglish and wily sleights of word.
Nos vemos en la plaza . . .
I agree. I really liked it. By the way, I liked yours too! Will send you my contact information via Twitter DM.
That is lovely. Salud a Reynaldo Macias. The metaphorical language is so vivid like: “two fingers carelessly
floating like winds.” Nicely done.
Some wonderful imagery in this piece.
Beautiful poem, Reynaldo!
We agree!
Some fanciful amusing creativity – running words together, demolishing a word vertically – almost into oblivion. Overall, an interesting exploration of technique.
Thanks, Ken, for commenting. Yeah, Reynaldo messed around with some things and we felt we wanted to share with others.
gracias a todos…
it’s humbling to hurl my thoughts, words, and worlds into the universe and have them appreciated!
You rock, bro, enjoy the #LatinoLit love.
Beautiful poem! Brought tears to my eyes and wonderful memories into mind of my adolescent years spent in “la plaza.” Well done!
Daniela, thanks so much for commenting about the poem. We do think it is quite strong and a great start to #LatinoLit.
Great poem! Very unique style! I have posted many of my own on my site and wouldn’t mind your opinion. I also am interested in having you as a guest blogger, if you would like. Please contact me and check out my blog at : http://www.midnightdelusions.com.
Thanks for commenting. Will reach out. Would love to guest blog.
I’m on my way over to check out your work. Thanks for the kind words.
Well, perfect. Just email me at midnightdelusions@gmail.com and we can work out the particulars.
Beautiful poem! Being away from your children sure brings out the best emotions, even though you know they are going to a “plaza” way, way far. Soon will be time for abuelita to miss your principe and princesa! sniffff!!!
Yes, we think so. Thanks for the comment!
Wow, beautiful imagery and metaphors. “Voy a la plaza”, brought back so many fond memories of my childhood. Que sabor cultural mas bello.
Thank you for sharing,
Eriel.
We think so. Thanks so much for commenting!
Lovely poem ! 🙂
We think so!