Cuban content creator José Martínez made waves this Friday by posting a 45-second reel on Facebook. In it, he recites a poem in décimas—a traditional ten-line verse form deeply ingrained in Cuban and Latin American culture—addressing CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Havana. The poem is as sharp as its lines suggest.
The poem begins with an anticipation that's been building for years: "So the CIA landed in Havana? / Something big is about to unfold! / It's not hard to predict. / They've come to hit the target!"
From the opening line, Martínez sets the tone: this isn't a geopolitical analysis. Instead, it's décimas infused with hope and a touch of irony, reminiscent of how Cuban poets and improvisers have historically challenged authority without giving it a clear target to retaliate against.
Martínez goes on to deliver a subtle warning to those who chose to ignore the signs: "Tomorrow, don't say / you weren't alerted. / Everyone who was warned, / erred on the side of caution."
In other words, those who refused to listen shouldn't feign surprise now. The poem then ventures into almost cinematic territory, weaving rational language with popular poetic imagery: "All the devices / have been set up. / Everything scanned, / now mapped."
If anyone in Havana thought Ratcliffe's visit was mere diplomatic courtesy, Martínez offers a different perspective: "You've entered the stage / of operational rehearsal. / The crucial part is coming / where you must contribute your own."
The poem concludes with a powerful final line, ensuring it's the one that lingers: "Protest and excitement / in the final showdown."
The décimas resonated with many, as the video garnered thousands of views and hundreds of likes, reflecting the mood of a Cuban populace that's been witnessing the island's turmoil—both literal and figurative—and sees Ratcliffe's visit as more than just an intelligence gathering.
The backdrop for this poetic outcry couldn't be more combustible. Last Wednesday, the CIA touched down in Havana and met with Interior Minister Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, along with Raúl Rodríguez Castro—known as "Raulito," the grandson and bodyguard of Raúl Castro—and Intelligence Head Ramón Romero Curbelo.
What followed was equally atypical: the CIA shared photos of the meeting on its official account, something the agency rarely does, even in its most transparent moments.
Ratcliffe delivered a message from Donald Trump, stipulating that any dialogue is contingent on "fundamental changes" in Cuba. This Saturday, the CIA warned that the "window" for such changes is rapidly closing.
Meanwhile, the island, which Martínez poetically portrays, is experiencing its worst power crisis in years: Cuba shattered outage records with a 2,204 MW deficit, facing blackouts up to 22 hours daily in Havana and 24 hours in eastern provinces, all while an Energy Minister acknowledged that Cuba lacks available diesel and fuel oil.
In this simmering environment, protests erupted in at least 12 Havana municipalities with pot-banging, barricades, and bonfires under the rallying cry "Electricity and food!"
The Cuban Observatory of Conflicts documented 1,133 protests, complaints, and expressions of discontent in April 2026 alone, marking a 29.5% increase from the same month the previous year.
It's within this backdrop—of blackouts, hunger, protests, and an unexpected CIA visit confirmed by an official Communist Party of Cuba statement—that José Martínez's décimas, who is also a psychologist and entrepreneur, find their most loyal audience and profound meaning.
As he succinctly encapsulates it in eight syllables that require no translation: "Protest and excitement in the final showdown."
Understanding the Impact of CIA Visit on Cuba
Why did the CIA Director visit Havana?
The CIA Director visited Havana to meet with high-ranking Cuban officials, discussing potential changes in Cuba as a condition for dialogue with the United States.
How did José Martínez respond to the CIA visit?
José Martínez expressed his response through a poem in décimas, capturing the anticipation and skepticism surrounding the visit, reflecting popular sentiment in Cuba.
What is the current situation in Cuba regarding power outages?
Cuba is experiencing its worst power outages in years, with deficits leading to blackouts lasting up to 24 hours in some areas, exacerbating public discontent.