The third instalment of Claudia Roja's poetry series from her manuscript, Kite Line to Form I-485
This week Claudia Rojas shares a third poem from her poetry manuscript, Kite Line to Form I-485. Her manuscript explores navigating life under temporary protected status, as a woman, a daughter and an immigrant from El Salvador.
Why Write?
Claudia Rojas
I protest because nuestra gente
are dying, and I write
because mainstream news
doesn't have any words,
and if something isn't reported,
is it even happening?
I write because yo soy
and though my hips don't dance salsa
my brown
skin calls me hermosa
and don't you ever,
ever let anyone
let you believe in ugly.
I write because my heart is
73% ocean
and sometimes I hurt so much my ocean is a tsunami
No one nadie
prepared me me preparó
for this para este
body. cuerpo.
I write because a congressman once
told me he doesn't care
about people
like me.
I write because most days
a congressman's inaction
and opposition about immigration
is saying those same words
Propina
Claudia recently attended a book talk for Avocado Dreams: Remaking Salvadoran Life and Art in the Washington, D.C Metro Area. Claudia’s poetry is cited in this history book by academic Ana Praticia Rodríguez. You can learn more and read the book from the University of Arizona Press. Another great way to read the book is through the public library, and if it’s not yet available near you, suggest a library purchase.
