Many literary authors nowadays use poetry to exult their culture and express their thankfulness for their origins. In particular, Martin Espada is a poet of Hispanic origin known for promoting his Puerto Rican culture. In his poems, Espada attempts to explore more on his cultural origins, and express his desire for preservation of culture.In the poem, “Alabanza,” the author once again projects love for his culture and people by making them the central images in the poem.
“Alabanza” is a poem of praise. Specifically, the Spanish title, “alabanza” means “praise.” In this poem, the author enumerates some images in the context of the Hispanic culture by giving praise to them.As expressed in the first stanza, the author praises the “cook with a shaven head and a tattoo…that said Oye” (1-2), the lighthouse in Fajardo, the yellow pirate’s cap, the kitchen radio, and the bread. In the second stanza, the author praises Manhattan, a kitchen, music, etc. Notice that the author praises almost anything that reminds people of their culture, such as music, food, and other things.
In giving praise, the author does not employ a specific sequence or category. He does not divide the stanzas of the poem according to a certain organizational structure, one which differentiates people from things or inanimate objects.Rather, he mentions them at random as if in a hymn of praise, such as those that resemble the old tradition where people just express how they feel impromptu. This technique of the author makes the poem sound natural when recited. It seems to come deeply from one’s heart and mind, which makes it look more authentic and personal. As the persona praises each object that makes up the Hispanic culture, he emphasizes the good characteristics of the Puerto Ricans.
For instance, the yellow cap worn by the kitchen crew reminds people of Roberto Clemente, a famous baseball player who died in route while bringing food to some earthquake victims in Nicaragua (Latino Legends in Sports 2004).This shows the good-nature of the people, their willingness to help the needy, even those who belong to other cultures. Also, there is the mention of the dishwasher who fills in the absence of another dishwasher in order for the latter to serve his family.This suggests the good values of the Puerto Ricans at work, their value of camaraderie and service to one’s family. Moreover, in lines 32-33, there is the mention of the woman who sings despite abandonment by her husband. This implies the optimism among them, as they can still hum songs despite misfortune.
Aside from promoting his culture, the message of the author regarding Puerto Ricans’ attitude is very clear in the last two stanzas. Noticeably, there is a shift in tone in this part, from an optimistic to a naturalistic view.This part relates the misfortunes of the people, characterized by the stopping of the radio, the sound of the thunder, the flooding of the kitchen, etc. All these symbolize a world without hope, where God’s face cannot be seen. Such was the time of the bombing of the World Trade Center in September 2001, where many employees died, including 43 Puerto Rican crews to whom the poem is dedicated.
As the author imparts, even at times like this, the people should not lose hope and still hold on to each other. The line that says, “Alabanza, I say, even if God has no face” (43) means that even in the world where God does not exist, there is always a reason to be happy, to praise and admire the things around us, because these things give us inspiration to continue with our journey.
