I DARE MYSELF

Courage

is a challenge.

So I’ll meet it.

I must—I will!

Believing that I was an orphan

for so many years before learning the truth

about my devious parents

has made me accustomed

to expecting rejection,

but now—instead of

allowing myself

to feel only fear,

I claim a blaze

of confidence

as strong as one

of El Bocón’s

bold stories.

Yes, I seize the bravest action I can think of,

relying on my imagination for guidance.

Courageously, I step off the ship

and find an office where I can send

a courteous telegram

to the powerful president

of El Salvador.

I call myself the Poet Boy

of Central America,

using fame as a bridge

between nations.