José Julián Martí Pérez wrote his poem “I Dream Awake” to express his passion for Cuban independence from Spain. He believed that Cuba should be a country with its own government and lifestyle. Using his poetry and other literary works, he expressed his displeasure with the oppressive Spanish governance of his homeland.

In the poem, “I Dream Awake” he creates vivid imagery of a child calling out for José Martí’s help to free him. This child is symbolic of the Cuban people who are looking to him. The poem paints a picture of a man whose thoughts are focused on saving that “child” no matter where he is or what he is doing. He wants nothing more than Cuba to be a democratic country, free of Spanish rule.

Because of his work as a writer, philosopher, educator, and the leader of the Cuban Revolutionary Party, José Julián Martí Pérez became known as the “Apostle of Cuban Independence." He believed Cuba should be independent of Spain, and he opposed its purchase by America.