Spring 2013 Tanka Challenge 04-20
I was in the Bronx running an errand, so I stopped at Woodlawn to visit Brian, Celia Cruz, and her husband Pedro Knight. There are others I'll pay respects to another time, but these were within reasonable walking distance on a quiet spring day. Sandy had knocked down one of the six Great Trees there, the pendent silver linden. It is still there, cut into pieces, but so big that it has yet to be taken away.
Common and august
rest alike 'neath the sun
in the Silent City.
The great fallen linden bears
witness to the divine wind.
For those not familiar with this love story: Celia Cruz (called the Queen of Salsa by many) married Pedro Knight, a Cuban trumpet player in the band she sang with early in her career. Their entire band defected in 1960. They were married in 1962. He set his own career aside to manage hers; they were together until her death in 2003. She died two days after their 41st anniversary. He would follow her four years later; they are side by side.
For Celia and Pedro
You sang, the world danced,
Africa and Cuba mixed
into something new.
Your husband stepped back to put
you forward. Such a great love.
Common and august
rest alike 'neath the sun
in the Silent City.
The great fallen linden bears
witness to the divine wind.
For those not familiar with this love story: Celia Cruz (called the Queen of Salsa by many) married Pedro Knight, a Cuban trumpet player in the band she sang with early in her career. Their entire band defected in 1960. They were married in 1962. He set his own career aside to manage hers; they were together until her death in 2003. She died two days after their 41st anniversary. He would follow her four years later; they are side by side.
For Celia and Pedro
You sang, the world danced,
Africa and Cuba mixed
into something new.
Your husband stepped back to put
you forward. Such a great love.