Saint Gregorio Hernández

I was asked to present a poem at a Buddhist meeting about relationships. I looked through my writings and found this poem, or prayer. I called it San Gregorio Hernández.

Jose Gregorio Hernández ( 1864- 1919) was a priest from Venezuela who was very famous for his medical achievements and religiosity. He wasn’t declared saint by the Catholic Church, but a lot of people pray to him for health. So did my mother when I was born very weak, and she named me after him, Marlon Gregory. Funny thing is, that when I was lonely and put messages on so called sex lines, I used my second name: Gregory. That is what this poem is about.





San Gregorio Hernández

San Gregorio Hernández
Abo ku ta kura enfermonan
San Gregorio Hernández
Na abo nos ta roga
San Gregorio Hernández
Dòkter pa riku i pober
San Gregorio Hernández
San Gregorio Hernández
Mi por puntra bo un kos?
San Gregorio Hernández
Mi tin sanger den mi kurpa
San Gregorio Hernández
Mi ke sinti..
San Gregorio Hernández
Brasa brutu rondó di mi.



English translation
Saint Gregorio Hernández
Thou, a man with a cure for our illness
Saint Gregorio Hernández
I address this prayer to you
Saint Gregorio Hernández
Thou, healer of the poor
Saint Gregorio Hernández

Saint Gregorio Hernández
Can I ask you a question?
Saint Gregorio Hernández
Blood is going through my veins
Saint Gregorio Hernández
I wanna feel...
Saint Gregorio Hernández
The embrace of strong arms.