Our Resident Poet

--- Rudy Henderson ---

Fostering Joy and Insight through Witty Verse

During our salsa related experiences we have come across a huge number of incredibly talented individuals. One of our unsung talents is the poet Rudy Henderson.

Rudy is a poet skilled in crafting humorous, engaging, and relevant poetry bringing a breath of fresh air to any situation. His verses infuse daily life events with laughter, fostering a positive atmosphere and high-lighting connections amongst people. Evident is Rudy's talent for weaving wit into everyday situations encourages creative thinking, sparking new perspectives. Through clever observations, Rudy sheds light on relevant topics, making complex ideas accessible and thought-provoking.

A Taste of Cuba team are privileged to currently have Rudy's support as our resident poet. Rudy's unique ability underpins our mantra to enable "Like-minded souls to share incredible experiences", by encapsulating emotions and ideas in a lighthearted yet insightful manner cultivates an environment where laughter and understanding coalesce harmoniously.

A sample of Rudy's poems are presented below!

Rudi's Cuban Reflexion...

My Cuban Experience

I been thinking about it for a while.
A country where I can go for a holiday.
To take a break from work.
Where I can rest and play.

I have never been there before.
I heard it is a nice place.
To relax, eat, drink, dance salsa.
Also get Caribbean sun on my face.

I hear the people are friendly.
They are welcoming too.
The crime rate is low.
I trust that the above is true.

I am not a frequent flyer.
I get very nervous in a Aeroplane.
When I tell this to friends.
Some think that I am insane.

From England to Havana Cuba.
It is 4,463 miles as the crow flies.
That is a long time for me.
To be above the Atlantic and Caribbean skies.

From today I will psyche myself up.
Good news has come to me.
Some friends I know are planning.
A trip to Cuba in November 2023.

They will be hosting the Cuban experience.
Seven glorious days in Havana.
Followed by three wind down nights.
“ Oh yes , to go I wanna”.

I going to face my fear.
Be like a lion with a mane.
Because I want some Cuban experience.
I will be brave and go on a plane.

I am going to make it a date.
I will be going with my lovely lady.
She can cuddle me and hold my hand.
Then treat me like a baby.

Cuba '23 Inspiration

Cuban Experience Introduction

In February of this year 2023.
I heard of a holiday coming to existence. .
I was asked if I wanted to go.
To join in the Cuban Experience.

Roy and his wife Jacqui.
Both had been there before.
Barbara had also been there.
All said it will be a good holiday for sure.

I have never been to Cuba before.
A Country I always wanted to go.
But How would I get there?
I will never know!

The problem for me was.
I do not like to fly.
To be in a big iron bird.
Up ever so high in the sky.

But I wanted to face the challenge.
I had to “man up” and give it a try.
To overcome my aeroplane fear.
To get high up in the sky.

So I built up the courage.
Cuba I wanted to get there.
Yes Roy please book me two tickets.
One for me the other for Patsy my Dear.

I cannot back out now.
Oh yes I am so delighted.
To join in The Cuban Experience Nov 23.
I was ever so excited.

I made an error with the departure date.
I found out in time before it was too late.
Made adjustments in my work diary.
We were ready at the correct date.

Off to Cuba we flew.
In a big giant bird.
Up in the sky so high.
I was trembling with nerves but never said a word.

Going to Cuba 2

I hope everyone is happy and well.
My butt is still on the fence.
But I know you all looking forward.
To enjoying the CUBAN EXPERIENCE.

I have never been to Cuba.
I am just putting it out there.
I do not know what to expect.
But an experience for us to share.

I met up with friends that are going.
Also friends that have been before.
They have all assured me.
Cuba is a country that I will adore.

Still, I am a bit nervous.
By the mode of transport to get there.
I know it is by aeroplane.
But did I tell you flying is my fear.

I have to get over my fear!
Keep my mind active and strong.
Because I cannot swim to Cuba.
It will take me w-a-y-y-y too long!

Some saiid Havanana is lovely.
The people there are nice.
To see how they live and eat.
But bring your own seasoning and spice.

I do not know what to expect.
But I expect to have a good time.
Maybe smoke some Cuban cigars
Drinks, all night parties, I am still in my prime.

Looking forward to the sunshine.
Taking a break from the English weather.
Maybe sitting in a bar drinking rum
Or dancing in a nightclub.
Going hell for leather!

I will leave it there for now.
A saying goes..”Later will be greater”.
I have things to do right now.
I will check in with you all later! 😂

Cuba 3

I am sitting here feeling hungry.
Waiting for some food to eat.
So I will drop a few lines to you all.
Before I tuck into vegetables and meat.

As the Cuban Experience gets closer.
My excitement is getting higher.
The down side for me is that.
I am not a frequent flyer.

I told you all that before
That is now old news.
Is there anyone else in our group.
That is walking in my shoes?

Anyway, let me leave it there for now.
I will overcome it somehow.
How about the rest of you all?
Are you all packed and ready to go now?

There is so much to look forward to.
Places to go things to see
I hope there is a salsa club.
Where I can do the 1, 2, 3.

Maybe go to the sea.
Probably take a boat ride.
May even smoke one or two Cuban cigars.
Or just sit on the beach with my legs open wide.

No, no, no, don’t even go there.
About my legs open wide.
I will be wearing swimming trunks or shorts.
So my modesty I will hide.

It is a break we are all looking forward to.
To relax in the Caribbean sunshine.
To mingle with the locals.
Maybe share a bottle of wine.

Let me leave it there for now.
I going to have words the waiter.
I am having dinner in a restaurant.
So I will check in with you all later.

What an Amazing Night!

Last night some of us went to Buena Vista Social Club.
What an amazing Night!
The atmosphere was great !
Everything was out of sight.

However, first let me tell you.
The group were meant to meet up at a quarter to eight.
But my good lady Patsy and I overslept.
So we woke up late. .

By the time we got to our meeting point.
Everyone had already gone.
But we are true troopers.
We were not going to be out done!

We took a sort of taxi
Which was a bicycle ride for two.
It took us a while to get there.
But eventually we got to the venue.

Even though we arrived late.
They still served us our dinner.
For my dinner I asked for fish.
When it came I ate it, winner.

Unfortunately my good lady Patsy.
She returned her fish dinner.
Because it was not properly done.
But the error was later rectified ..winner, winner.

When the show started.
The band had a good mix and blend.
The band sung and danced very well.
They kept the audience going till the end.

The music from the band was good.
Tony and Jenny took to the floor.
But that is not all.
Friends! Let me tell you, there is more..

A lady from the band.
Came off the stage and danced with me.
I took it in my stride.
I accepted the challenge with glee!

Derek was the highlight of the night.
He was our breast man.
His head firmly in the lady’s chest.
Then came up smiling as only he can.

You could say he was “booby trapped”.
He took it in his stride.
Derek was our “breast” man of the night.
That cannot be denied.

As for me I had many alcoholic drinks.
I never drank so much in one day.
I think the drink went to my legs.
Because when I got up, my body began to sway.

I will leave it there for now.
As there is lots more I can say.
But I will be signing out now.
Peace up everyone, have a good day.

It's Just Life

🥲Goodbye SINBIN🥲

Oh my days, golly gum drops.
My goodness gracious me!
Thursday nights at the Plough!
Is now in the pages of history!

Thursday night dancing at Sinbin.
Was the place to be.
Meeting friends and new people.
Learning to step 1, 2, 3.

But we have our memories.
Of how things used to be.
We can think back and smile.
The place had chemistry!

Those lovely Thursday nights.
People dancing on the dance floor.
The DJ’s playing salsa music.
The crowd calling out for more!

The salsa teachers were great.
They had good pedigree.
Yes! I benefitted from the lessons.
I learned to count 1, 2, 3….

I learned to do “Back Basic”
I learned to do the “Suzy Q”.
When it comes to the “Crossbody”.
I also mastered that too.

Big up to Steevo and Jennie.
Who were on point every Thursday night.
For the hard work they did.
To make the nights turned out right.

Nothing lasts forever.
Somethings have to give.
Respect to all at Sinbin.
Big up to the Sinbin massive.

No more Salsa at the Plough.
No more of me sneaking in!
All left for me to say is.
“GOODBYE SINBIN”😢

But life still goes on.
Things do not always go our way.
As long as we have life and hope.
Tomorrow is another day. 😇😎

Black History Month

In October we celebrate Black history month.
That is in the U.K.
But it is celebrated in February.
In the USA.

We celebrate black individuals.
From what they achieved.
Inspirational individuals.
For their causes in which
they believed.

Those that opposed apartheid.
Those whose good deeds were hid.
Those that fought in world wars.
Those with thriving businesses.

Those that inspired us on the running track.
Those that inspired us in the boxing ring.
Those that inspired us on the football field.
Those that inspired us when they sing.

In black history month
we celebrate positive things.
Going on in the black community.
We celebrate bringing people together.
To promote love and unity.

As we celebrate black history month.
I hope the younger generation
can learn.
That to gain respect.
Respect has to be earned.

With black history month.
Young black individuals
has to know.
They will have to carry the baton.
Until the race is won.

I hope black history month.
Helps the young to be inspired.
For their goals to be achieved.
Hard work is also required

In black history month.
I hope young black individuals
also realise.
That their parents and forefathers.
Had to make the sacrifice.

They paved the way.
So the young can have a better life.
Do not waste it young ones.
By walking around with a gun or knife.

That would be a waste.
From sacrifices made in the past.
Rise above it all!
As time is moving fast.

In black history month.
We celebrate black individuals
in the community and their roles.
We hope the young ones see positiveness
So they make and achieve their goals.

When Black history month is over.
No need to wait until next year.
To celebrate positive individuals.
Keep feeling positive and of good cheer.

We should always keep positive.
Throughout this and the coming year.
To lead a good example.
To show the young ones we care.

Black history is about many things other than slavery.
It is also about bravery.
It is also about invention.
It is also about medical surgery.

Black history goes way back.
As far as when time begun
We can all still live together.
Under the same moon and sun.

Not only for black history month!
We can all take our vibrations higher.
Remember this saying people.
“YOU HAVE TO INSPIRE BEFORE YOU EXPIRE”!

Black history can be celebrated every day.
Not just for one month in the year.
Because our history goes way back.
There is so much to learn and share

Happy Mothers Day 🌹

You are on call all hours.
Sometimes no rest or sleep.
But this job has to be done.
Your sanity you must keep.

Although you get no pay.
Forever, you will be on the go.
Your resilience and strength.
Must always be there on show.

You are always number one.
In every family chart.
Sometimes your tears are shed.
With love still in your heart.

At times you will feel low.
With nowhere to turn or go.
With determination and grit!
You get on with the show.

Christmas and bank holidays.
Still no time for you to rest.
That is why we say.
You are the ultimate best!

To all that do this job.
Better than any other.
Blessings and big respect.
To each and every mother.

Mother’s Day is once a year.
You are mothers all year through.
Silver or gold can not pay.
For the sterling job you do.

You are a priceless commodity .
More precious than silver and gold.
Your love is unconditional.
Yes I said it! The truth I told!

Also to all the mothers.
Who plays the roll of two.
You are doing a great job.
Maximum respect to you.

A real mother’s love is true.
She is forever loyal.
She cannot be replaced.
Like a Queen, she Is so Royal.

To those whose mum has transitioned.
Commiserations to all of you!
A mother’s love will never die.
It lasts your whole life through!

Happy Mother’s Day mums.
This greetings comes with love.
You all truly are a gift!
A blessing from the one above!

Praising all good mothers!
Thanks to the heaven above.
Have a Happy Mother’s Day!
God bless you all. One love!

Those Legs!

This morning I went to the kitchen.
To make myself a cup of tea.
I felt that my body needed.
A hot drink inside of me.

I did not want coffee.
If the truth be told.
My main temperature of drink.
Is something hot, not cold.

I made a big mug of tea.
It was hot and smooth as silk.
Just the right taste.
Sweetened with condensed milk!

I carefully walked upstairs.
Making sure not to spill my tea.
Went in my bedroom.
My goodnesses gracious me!

There she was on my bed.
Legs up to her neck.
I was so flabbergasted.
I said to myself “flipping heck”.

Looking at those legs.
They were long and looked strong.
My hand started to tremble.
With the mug of tea in my hand.

I gently put down my mug of tea.
On my dressing table.
I know I can handle those legs.
I am willing and able.

I am a red blooded man.
Now my intention is clear.
I must do what has to be done.
No need to show fear.

I gently sat on my bed.
My eyes now open wider.
Picked up my pillow.
Then suffocated that blasted spider.

Happy Fathers Day

The person you look up to,
When you were a little girl or lad.
Who was that person?
Your one and only dad.

He is stronger than superman,
Faster than a speeding bullet.
Mess with his kids!
Your life is on a hit list!

A dad that is always there,
Every day and night.
Sometimes he may seem strict,
However, dad is always right!

Unfortunately, not all dads.
Are always that good.
Some dads will swear.
That they are misunderstood!

Some dads will go missing,
Without anything to say.
Do nothing for their kids,
At the end of the day.

We call them sperm donors.
That is all I can say.
Let us leave it as that!
As we get on our way.

Happy Father’s Day!
To all good fathers today.
Also to some of the women.
Who have that role to play!

We watch our seeds grow,
From a little tiny sprout.
To become parents themselves.
Let us give a big shout!

Also not forgetting the mothers,
If not for them we wouldn’t be.
A shout out to you ladies.
Your highness, Your majesty!

But back to us men,
It is “Father’s Day”.
Be proud of ourselves men.
Not just now, but everyday.

As Fathers we are an icon!
Our kids worship our feet.
There is no one like us!
So loving , majestic, so sweet.

Our kids may mess up!
We must show them the way!
Whether boys or girls.
They will be parents some day.

One day of the year!!
Is officially Father’s Day!
Be “Farhers” all year round !
Let us keep it that way!!

I hope our kids spoil us.
As the day get on the way.
To all the dads out there,
Have a Happy Father’s Day.