Which hotel?
It’s the same dilemma I faced
when I was exiled to El Salvador.
A shabby room is all I can afford,
but a pianist who is staying at the same inn
makes our surroundings seem elegant
as he sends festive music
rising up into the air.
Creativity is the best fuel
for every poor man’s future.
As soon as I’m settled,
I take my article about the historian
to a newspaper office, where the friendly editor
accepts my work, and pays me generously.
Even the tiniest bit of encouragement
is enough to make an ordinary poet
feel truly heroic!