Comparing Tengo And Yo Tambien, Canto A America

The two poems, Tengo and Yo Tambien, Canto a America are both written by Spanish poets. Tengo was written by Nicolas Guillen in 1964, which was 11 years after the Cuban Revolution. Nicolas Guillen’s work was generally described as an “immediate expression of Cuban life.” His work was usually in the language and rhythm of Cuba’s poor blacks. It was also an important part of the Afro Antillean black movement. Also, Yo Tambien, Canto a America was written by Langston Hughes in 1925. Hughes’s poems were not similar to the other notable black poets of the period. He refused to write about the difference between his personal experience and the common experience of being a black American. He Prefered to tell the stories of his people in way that
would reflect their culture, include their suffering, their love of music, laughter, and the language itself. The poets may seem extremely different from each other, but their poems share many similarities. In Nicolas Guillen’s poem “Tengo,” he is describing the life of a civilian after the Cuban Revolution. Juan, the civilian, is coming to a realization that he is now able to become the person he has been hiding away for many years. His words were, “ . . . I turn my eyes and look, I see and touch myself, and ask myself, how this could have been.” At this point in time he is astounded and at a lost for words that he capable of allowing himself to unshield the person he has been hiding inside. Unlike in our country, people are encouraged to embrace our true selves and accept differences. Also, he mentions that Juan can now roam around his country freely, “. . . I have the pleasure of going about my country. . .” Before the Cuban Revolution ended, civilians were unable to explore their country freely. Whereas today, in our country we can explore the world if we wish to do so. Another example that summarizes Nicolas Guillen’s poem, “Tengo,” is when he says, “. . . I have learned to read, to count, I have that I have learned to write, and to think, and to laugh.” Cubans were denied the from gaining basic education. On the other hand, our country encourages young students to go to school to gain an education. Overall, “Tengo,” is a poem about the freedom the Cuban civilians gained after the revolution.