On July 3, Cuban poet José Martínez, based in Miami, unveiled a new poem titled "Crab's Venom." The piece is a direct critique aimed at Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, notoriously known as "The Crab," the grandson of Raúl Castro. This poem responds to Rodríguez Castro's recent public appearances as an alleged negotiator between Havana and Washington.
The immediate trigger was Raúl Guillermo's second interview with USA Today on July 6, where he proposed direct negotiations with Donald Trump, linking the release of political prisoners to "suitable conditions."
Martínez swiftly addressed this with verses resonating with the Cuban community's outrage: "How can they try to shove a crab down your throat? Is the people so foolish to accept such humiliation?"
The poem highlights Raúl Guillermo's lack of any official position or democratic legitimacy while attempting to position himself as a power figure: "Without any institution, holding no office, he comes to serve you the bitter venom of truth."
Among the truths Martínez lists in his stanzas is the instrumental use of political prisoners: "That there was never dignity, that there are innocent prisoners, that they'll use these brave souls to demand conditions."
The poem also targets the regime's elite enrichment: "They've squandered millions on luxury, while we're faced with a rogue dreaming of presidency."
Concluding with a warning that links the present to the dictatorship's history: "For blatant power has been seen before in how it massacres the people."
"The Crab's" public emergence began on June 19, when he granted his first interview to The National, advocating for the Communist Party's 176 economic reforms.
In just three weeks, the Ministry of Interior colonel—head of his grandfather's personal security since 2016—transformed from an obscure figure into the visible face of Cuba-U.S. negotiations, despite lacking any official mandate.
Prisoners Defenders reports over 1,200 political prisoners in Cuba, rendering Raúl Guillermo's claim that Cuba might release them "under the right conditions" particularly alarming.
"Crab's Venom" is Martínez's latest addition to a series of political satires he's been publishing throughout 2026.
On June 22, his poem "The Vaseline"—also directed at "The Crab"—garnered over 13,700 likes and 1,400 shares on Facebook, setting a critical tone that "Crab's Venom" further intensifies.
The latest reel has amassed 22,740 views, 1,202 likes, and 61 comments on Facebook since its release, underscoring the resonance these pieces have among Cubans both on the island and abroad.
Insights into José Martínez's Poetic Critique
Who is Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro?
Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, also known as "The Crab," is the grandson of Raúl Castro. He has recently become a public figure as a supposed negotiator between Cuba and the United States, despite lacking any official role.
What is the significance of José Martínez's poem "Crab's Venom"?
"Crab's Venom" is a satirical poem criticizing Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro's attempt to position himself as a power broker without any official legitimacy. It addresses issues such as the use of political prisoners and the regime's elite enrichment.
How has the Cuban community reacted to Martínez's poetry?
Martínez's poetry, including "Crab's Venom" and "The Vaseline," has resonated strongly with the Cuban community, receiving significant engagement on social media platforms like Facebook, where they've been shared and liked by thousands.