Refrain is a poetic device in which the poet repeat some words or lines at the end of a stanza. This tradition has remained from past, when poems were mostly recited not written, and refrains made a poem easier for listeners to remember. Another purpose is to create a rhythm and make readers or listeners to pay attention to main theme or point of a poem.
Shortly thereafter, Mama and Abuelita have a happy, tearful reunion. ... Abuelita tells Esperanza the story of how Miguel was able to sneak her away from Tío Luis
This is a reference to Biblical scripture. God said that HIs people (Christians) were as a city upon a hill. This means that we are an example of Christ before the whole world.
