The worker, worthy of respect

My colleague Arturo Chang released his text: In the crowd, a face, where he highlighted the importance many anonymous workers deserve, most of them, while fulfilling their duty every day in Cuba.

And when commenting on the article, I learned from an eyewitness about one of those exemplary displays of respect.

It turns out that apropos of a visit by Nicolás Guillén to Ciego de Ávila, back in the 1980s, preparations for organization and beautification were unfolding. And just when the hall was being carefully cleaned in the hotel where he was staying, the National Poet appeared at the entrance.

Seeing the figure of the man walking down the damp corridor, the lady who was cleaning only managed to yell at him: “Hey, watch out, it is still wet, man!”

Several of the poet's companions were already going to verbally attack the woman when Guillén raised his hand asking everyone to stop and he stated with conviction:

She is right. We have to respect her work.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff