Diaspora Stories Award #2 (two weeks ago)
AAward #2 (Two Weeks Ago): Reggaetón & Revolutionary Vibes
He’s an older guy. Solid dad joke game.
This was my second time cleaning his house in the Loop.
As soon as I walk in, he greets me with excitement and says:
“You know, I had to do my research. I got some great music for you today. Last time it was really quiet—I apologize.”
He plays music on his TV.
I play with his dog (obviously).
Then I hear it:
Pitbull.
Mr. Worldwide.
Me, raising an eyebrow:
“Pitbull?!”
Him, very proud of himself:
“Yeah! It’s pretty contagious.”
I smile and nod.
“Thank you. He’s Cuban—from Miami, I think. But if you want to hear some really good Cuban music, let me play you Silvio Rodríguez. Deal?”
He agrees. We’re both smiling now.
I find El Necio and hit play.
A moment later, that room feels different—filled with the warm, poetic strum of Silvio’s guitar.
He pauses, listens.
“Such nice guitar. What does it say?”
Me, simply:
“It’s mostly a song for Fidel Castro—about living without selling yourself, staying clear in your convictions, even if people don’t like it.”
A silence follows. Not awkward. Just thoughtful.
Still quiet.
Then he says, with a nod and half a grin:
“Nice.”
#LatinxStories #SilvioRodriguezVibes #CleaningChronicles #CubanMusic #MusicAsBridge #ElNecio #CulturaYResistencia #ReggaetonToRevolution #UnexpectedConnections #LatinaInTheLoop #BoricuaDiaspora #DadJokeApproved #MrWorldwideVsSilvio #MúsicaQueUne #CulturalExchange #StorytimeWithClients #WorkingClassPoetry #MusicHeals #DiasporaWisdom #ResistanceIsBeautiful
