I know I forget, because I have been lucky enough to be born into a group that has historically been given privilege in this country, but I come from an area where my friends, my loved ones, and my learners do not have the same privileges. I work tirelessly, day in and day out, to change this, but change is slow. I wrote the poem below to "honor" Columbus Day lest we forget that people in this great country still suffer persecution.
Found
Look around.
It's no coincidence.
We traveled by trains that were more fit for cattle than human beings.
The promised land.
El Norte.
A better life.
My family members risked their lives to get here.
I am afraid.
I roll myself up like a rolly poly big.
Do you think it's a coincidence?
Wake up!
We're here!