Morir Soñando

“Morir Soñando” transports us to decolonized Quisqueya (formerly the Dominican Republic) in the year 2100. Here, an Abuelita weaves together tales of cultural movements and collective awakenings that spanned the world and stirred the hearts of the sleeping dreamers. Named after the traditional Dominican drink, which translates to “to die dreaming,” this narrative highlights the cultural significance of imagined futures, the passing down of knowledge from generation to generation, and the awakening of an “unconscious” culture in the pursuit of a dream. The drink’s simple ingredients—orange juice, milk, and sugar—reflect the harmony achieved by blending seemingly incompatible elements through the bonds of sugar.

Abuelita recounts how artistic and cultural movements, particularly hip-hop, united communities and how the power of the people overcame divisions imposed by greedy rulers who worshiped only their gods of profit. A series of revolutions, while not without immense struggle and sacrifice, resulted in a transformed society, leading to the democratization of workspaces across the globe, centering sustainable practices that prioritized people and the environment over profit, and inevitably the creation of new political systems. Renewable energy became the norm, localized agriculture allowed the planet to heal, and advancements in carbon drawdown techniques, developed through collaboration between scientists and Indigenous leaders, mitigated the worst impacts of climate change.

Abuelita’s story emphasizes the importance of intergenerational storytelling, resilience, and unity. Her tales inspire her grandchildren, showing them they are part of a long tradition of strength and hope, carrying the torch forward for future generations. Just as the drink blends disparate elements into a delightful concoction, the revolution needed to unite diverse communities to create a better world. Abuelita’s storytelling fosters intergenerational healing, highlights the long journey towards freedom, and underscores the interconnected efforts of people worldwide to build a better future. Her optimistic vision of climate change reveals humanity preventing a catastrophic future and enabling a world where nations dissolve boundaries to work together, protecting the planet and ensuring the well-being of all of Earth’s inhabitants, human and non-human alike, as global citizens.