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Grades level iconsGrade 10
Genre information iconPoetry
Resource type iconWriting

The Heart of a Dominican / El Corazón de un Dominicano

by Raymond A., Grade 10, 826 Boston
A bilingual poem that expresses the love of one's culture and people

In the land of the sun, where culture runs deep,

With a heart so big and a smile that’s sweet,

I am a Dominican, proud of my people,

Strong and bright, like the sun’s warm ripple.

With music and dance, and love in my heart,

On tropical beaches, I set myself apart,

As a warrior of peace, and a defender of right,

With a free spirit, and faith burning bright.

I am a dreamer, with a future full of hope,

A curious mind, learning to cope,

With laughter and play, a playful soul,

A passion for life, and a heart that’s whole.

I am a human, full of love and gratitude,

Blessed with a life that’s rich and good,

With a future that’s bright, and shining too,

Here I stand, proud and true.

So, take my hand, and walk with me,

Through this land, as far as we can see,

Together we’ll explore, and make memories to keep,

For I am a Dominican, and my heart runs deep.

——

En la tierra del sol, donde la cultura es profunda,

Con un corazón tan grande y una sonrisa tan dulce,

Soy dominicano, orgulloso de mi pueblo,

Fuerte y brillante, como la ondulación cálida del sol.

Con música y danza, y amor en mi corazón,

En las playas tropicales, me distingo,

Como guerrero de la paz y defensor del derecho,

Con un espíritu libre y una fe ardiente.

Soy un soñador, con un futuro lleno de esperanza,

Una mente curiosa, aprendiendo a sobrellevar,

Con risas y juegos, y un alma jugueton,

Pasión por la vida, y un corazón completo.

Soy un humano, lleno de amor y gratitud,

Bendecido con una vida rica y buena,

Con un futuro brillante, y soy brillante también,

Aquí estoy, orgulloso y verdadero.

Así que, toma mi mano, y camina conmigo,

A través de esta tierra, hasta donde podemos ver,

Juntos exploraremos, y haremos

Porque soy dominicano, y mi corazón late profundo.

***

This piece can be found in 826 Boston’s original publication, I Find a Place.

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