I am the Dominican Republic

I am the clean beaches and rivers.
I am the rocky roads.
I am the porch which everyone
uses to wait for the next day.

I am the people wearing shorts,
flip flops, and sunglasses.
I am the movement of people
dancing.
I am the clothing store.
I am the friendly neighbor who you
can trust to help.
I am the many of the animals you see on farms
in my houses.


I am the swift sounds of merengue,
bachata, and regeton that
make me dance the night
away.
I am the rice, chicken, beef, and pork that
sizzle on the stove all day.

I am the blackouts that cause the people
on me to freeze and wait for
the power to return.
I am the park, ice cream shop, and kiosks
that you find in every neighborhood on me.

I am the friend of the people of my
neighbor, Haiti.
I am related to most islands on my father,
the Atlantic Ocean.

I am the Dominican Republic.