Happiest of Pub Days to Leslie Sainz and her debut poetry collection; ‘Have You Been Long Enough at Table’.

Thank you so much to Tin House for gifting me a finish copy. I devoured it, then went back and read it again, letting it wash over and move me.

This collection uses a feminine perspective to understand and unpack the Cuban American experience, especially its tragedies, while also calling to attention the role of patriarchy and powers from all sides, dictating the individual experience. It is abstract, at times, direct in others. It’s woven through with Spanish. I found the themes of poverty, exile, and even liberation to be expertly drawn. I only wish it had been longer because I never wanted to stop reading Leslie Sainz’ words.

A few poems that especially moved me where STILL LIFE WITH CHRIST, AROMATICS - ARS POETICA - SONNET WITH ORULA - MALECÓN/MIAMI - REMEDIOS. I read those over and over.

There is a vulnerably in this collection, undeniably, but the writing is confident, meaningful, passionate and emotive. It’s a beautiful read and one I will return to. Highly recommend this to you all. ( )

I will admit it. I was baffled by these poems my first read through. Next reading, I had my tablet near by so I could translate the Spanish and research the references. It was a totally different experience.

Reading Cuban American writers and about the Cuban Diaspora is new and exciting for me. These poems demonstrate the rich cultural heritage of Cuba. They also document the suffering of those who seek to flee their homeland for America, and the callous treatment they recieve.

My Uncle Joe’s grandparents left Cuba for America in 1923. Two of his uncles lost their lives fighting in Europe during WWII. His father was head waiter at a posh Buffalo, NY restaurant. My uncle was in the Marines. Their experience was nothing like that of Cubans seeking to leave their homeland later in the century. Who can forget the boats filled with refugees sinking or being turned back?

When I was younger, I thought only the ocean could make things disappear: a raft, a family.

from Bodied, or Day 1 of 9
The book includes poems about the Cuban raft crisis, the treatment of “wetbacks,” and the “wet feet” caught on sea between Cuba and America. I learned about the beliefs of Cuba, the merged Yoruba gods and Catholic faith. There are poems about lovers, family, and loss. And, about the fraught relationship between Cuba and America, the suspicions and denial.

Often raw and visceral, these poems translate a cultural experience through a personal lens.

Ars Poetica

You skewer
all the present moments

with a fork. They squirm
spectacularly, like second languages.

A fate–
can you stomach it?

Anyway, you eat it. you eat it anyway.
from Have You Been Long Enough at Table by Leslie Sainz

Thanks to Tin House for a free book ( )