Cuba stands to become even more isolated, many Cubans are leaving. By one estimate, there's

already been a 10% drop in population in recent years, though actual numbers are likely higher.

Those who stay on the island are essentially cut off from family in the United States.

Singer Carlos Varela, known as the poet of Havana, has spent decades putting the pain of that political divide into song.

Here's senior arts correspondent Jeffrey Brown

with his second report from Havana for our series,

Canvas and Art in Action, exploring the intersection of art and democracy.

One palabra of art and democracy. One word says nothing,

says nothing, sings Carlos Varela,

but at the same time, it hides everything.

A renowned and beloved Cuban singer-songwriter,

Varela is a master of imagery and language.

Singing words, as in one of his best-known songs,

A Palabra, that have spoken loud and clear, if often through metaphor and poetry,

to several generations of Cubans.

It's a mystery.

But the power of words, the power of a verse, the power of a song, the power of a book,

that's a blessing, because words can transform. They can reach your soul in your heart.

They can shake your bones.

They can change your life.

And that can't be lost.

We recently joined Varela as he rehearsed at his Havana home studio.

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