"Contrapunteo cubano del tabaco y el azúcar"

"Contrapunteo cubano del tabaco y el azúcar" is a notable poem by Nicolás Guillén that explores the historical and cultural relationship between Cuba’s two key economic crops: tobacco and sugar. Using poetic language and Latin American musical rhythms, the poem highlights the contrasting yet interconnected nature of these industries—sugar representing hard labor and economic power, while tobacco symbolizes cultural identity and creativity. Through this work, Guillén reflects on Cuba’s social dynamics, history, and the influence of colonialism, emphasizing how these elements shape the nation's identity and development.