A Clemente

The ground trembled, the land cracked,
bodies died, injuries multiplied.
a man with a club, a symbolic globe,
and three thousand hits later, was told:
"The medicine and food are being misplaced."
With speed and heavily armed, he left home plate.

His helping hands were golden as often as star gazers saw.
He was the light in the shadow and he loved us all.

"No more stealing from me!"
He, then, was stolen by the sea.
He was a thief, in right field.
The ultimate pirate. robin hood. superman.
The best there ever was and ever will be.
He loved his game, but less than humanity.
He was from the land of the coquí.

His helping hands were golden as often as star gazers saw.
He was the light in the shadow and he loved us all.

Nicaragua! he felt your plight,
gave you his life . . .
He is our pride and why
the star of puerto rico shines with heavenly light.
We have a lost hero,
Fué un Jíbaro.

Roberto Clemente, where are you?
Roberto Clemente, donde tú estas?
Roberto Clemente, where are you?

From his salty covered body,
secretly submerged, emerges a light,
which shines in those who wish to do right.
And when they do, that's A CLEMENTE!
And number 21, we find you.

Copyright © 2000, Eliezer Rodriguez

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