A Cuban resident in Tampa has touched the hearts of hundreds of users by sharing a video on TikTok, from the account @leidycienfeguera2022, where she recites an original poem titled "Cuba is No Longer Cuba." With a measured voice, serious expression, and simple yet powerful words, she conveys the deep pain of a country marked by hopelessness, scarcity, and family separation.
“Cuba is sadness, despair,
it is the dream that you never reach
and yearn for with fervor.
Cuba is only pain
from a bloodied people
because its government has taken away
its freedom of expression.”
As it progresses, her tone becomes more emotional. Leidy describes mothers who cry during blackouts because their children haven't eaten, and she delivers a harsh critique of the Cuban president, whom she labels as “a traitor, a bad leader, a tyrant.” She accuses him of holding onto power while ignoring the suffering of his people. Each verse connects with the experience of thousands of Cubans both on the island and abroad.
"Cuba lives in darkness
while you enjoy paradise,
while in the house even the floor
mothers cry out in pain," he recites firmly.
The reactions on TikTok came quickly. The video has generated a wave of empathy and solidarity. "We all managed to turn pain into art", wrote one user. Another confessed to having watched the video several times, moved to tears. Many followers stated that they saw themselves reflected in the verses, especially those with loved ones in Cuba.
Leidy, the name she goes by on social media, thanked her followers for their support and shared that filming the video was not easy. “I had to redo it several times because I cried in pain during the first take,” she remarked. In another message, she added: “If I could express my pain in words, I would have written a book.” She also encouraged her followers to share their thoughts if they wish to hear more of her poetry.
Frequently asked questions about the impact of the poem on Cuba and the situation on the island
Why did the poem "Cuba is no longer Cuba" go viral on TikTok?
The poem "Cuba is No Longer Cuba" went viral due to its strong criticism of the Cuban government and the moving description of the island's reality. The author, Leidy, recites with emotion the pain and hopelessness of the Cuban people, which has deeply resonated with many Cubans both inside and outside the country. Her ability to transform suffering into art has generated a wave of empathy and solidarity on TikTok.
What themes does Leidy address in her poem about Cuba?
The poem addresses the pain and despair of the Cuban people, highlighting issues such as shortages, blackouts, and political repression. Leidy harshly criticizes the Cuban president, labeling him as "a traitor, a poor leader, a tyrant." She also depicts the sorrow of mothers who cannot feed their children due to the constant power outages, which reflects a profound criticism of the Cuban regime.
How has the Cuban community reacted to Leidy's poem?
The Cuban community has responded with a wave of empathy, solidarity, and support for Leidy and her poem. Many users on TikTok have expressed that they resonate with the feelings of pain and despair she describes, especially those with family on the island. Leidy's work has been seen as a symbol of resistance and a call to reflect on the current situation in Cuba.
What similarities are there between Leidy's poem and other testimonies about the situation in Cuba?
Both Leidy's poem and other testimonies on social media highlight the economic crisis, resource scarcity, and political repression in Cuba. Both express a sense of helplessness and the need for change. The accounts reflect the desperation and daily challenges faced by Cubans, with a particular focus on how these situations affect families and communities.
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