Puerto Rican Obituary

“Telephone Booth (number 905 ½)” by Pedro Pietri (1973)

This poem provides an ironic interpretation of an employee’s responsibility to work, with the speaker calling his boss to tell him that he is “feeling too good / to report to work” (Lines 11-12). The speaker intends to wait until he feels worse to return, promising that he might even “come in early” (Line 14) when he feels poorly enough to come in. Pietri gives his speaker a lighthearted tone to contrast with the more serious theme concerning the speaker’s lack of a fulfilling career.

“Empire of Dreams [excerpt]" by Giannina Braschi (1988)

This excerpt from Braschi’s influential collection of poems of the same title seeks to encapsulate life in New York City. Structured as a series of prose poems, the collection has been a touchstone for Puerto Rican and Latino writers since its publication.

“New Year’s Eve December 31, 1975” by Miguel Algarín (2009)

Algarín’s poem is set at the Nuyorican Café, where everyone is involved in the festive atmosphere of New Year’s Eve. The speaker dwells on moments of existential and physical discomfort, set against the jubilation of a crowd preparing to count down to the new year.