8/3/2019 English Controversia Philip v. Joe Rubin

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Felipe-JoeRubinControDcimas

PARTY DCIMA DRAFT

This is called an open mic

for your song or commentary

it need not be extraordinaryjust say anything you like.

But just for now, if I might

speak directly to the crowd:

hope were not playing too loud

our folkoric guaguanc

but these guys put on a show

that makes me grateful and proud.

A warm welcome, first of all

to each dear and honored guest;friends and family, youre the best

thanks for answering our call.

Though our number is not small

we all ate some hearty fare.

Thank you Marilyn, I swear

Im so lucky youre my wife.

what would be of my poor life

if you suddenly werent there?

Next I sing congratulations

to Natalia, whos twenty one.

Your adult lifes just begun

and youre full of inspiration.

We salute your graduation

From the famous UCB

and its amazing to me

(I should whisper it in your ears)

what would take most people four years

you accomplished in just three.

Naomi now will graduate

excellent her GPA

and were delighted to say

that shell soon matriculate.

Youve got talent thats innate.

Youll live independently

Youre 18 now, youre free

to make choices on your own

but baby pick up the phone

when the calls from mom or me.

Though you may be getting tired

of my strained and nasal voice

you dont really have a choice

cause Im amped and I

m inspired

The fact that Im now retired:

one more thing we celebrate

I had years that were first rate

but I knew the time was right

Ive got new battles to fight

and I actually feel great!

Hey Felipe thats enough

Lets hear someone elses stuff

POST-PARTY THANKS NOTE:

Thanks to all those who were able

to attend our happy affair.

Thanks for stacking all the chairs

and for folding up the tables.

Thanks for coiling up the cables.

Thanks for your participation.

Thanks for every commendation

that you thoughfully expressed.

It was thanks to every guest

That we enjoyed our celebration.

Decima for Felipe

by Joe Rubin

After your fete, I had to write.

It is possible that you may,

Not notice that I try to pay,

Homage to the form heard last night.

Lack of skill could reduce delight.

I had some things still left to say,

Inspired by events that day,

From singing by your family,

To spoken words said honestly,

Of how you touched their lives some way.

8/3/2019 English Controversia Philip v. Joe Rubin

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I never will ever forget,

How you conscripted me to be,

In carnival for all to see,

A Metronome without regret.

I hope your expectations were met.

Because my talents are so few,

I must attribute this to you.

Making people feel included,

While your good will is exuded.

Any that know would say its true.

I honor your family as well.

I would have done it at the fete,

I did not have the words just yet.

There is so much I want to tell.

Im hoping this will do as well.

Ive watched Naomi grow so strong,

Her kindness, talent, heart and song.

Natalia shows such poise and fire.

Marilyns such an outlier.

With such kin you couldnt go wrong.

I close with best wishes to all.

Inspiring you have been to me,

The proof is here in print to see.

Would I normally have the gall,

To write Decima after all?

To copy great Rumberos,

Whose music for me still echoes,

In the deepest parts of my soul?

What other point could be my goal?

Youve inspired me to compose!

How about my friend Joe Rubin?

The guy is one in a million

Capoeira like a Brazilian

and dcima like a Cuban.

Like a crystal bowl by Steuben

hes unique, a work of art.

He is strong, humble, and smart

a fine teacher, friend, and parent

and to all it is apparent

that he has a noble heart.

PLP

----- Original Message -----

From: Joe Rubin

To: rumberomenor@comcast.netSent: Wed, 08 Jun 2011 05:05:24 -0000 (UTC)

Subject: Another one for you - this is fun

Felipe has a certain gift.

Born of intense dedication

and great syllabification.

With a mind that is sharp and swift,

he uses art to give a lift

to those in his vicinity

with awesome spontaneity.

It's a pleasure to hear his wit

with a Rhumba combined with it.

It brings to mind divinity.

Joe Rubin

Brings divinity to mind?

Thats a bit exaggerated.

Even so I feel elated

that you answered me in kind.

As you persue this youll find

that dcimas a real pleasure.

Its a literary treasure

from another place and time

weaving wit, rhythm, and rhyme

to an eight syllable measure.

PLP