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This version below is what I read last night. I really worked on the pacing, and sans-microphone, I think people heard it and understood it. I enjoyed the three minute challenge to read something new, and kept my intro comments brief. That is not always easy for me because I tend to tell stories about inspiration. (I didn't like the not having enough time to write, but I gave the poem my best effort and feel sparked to keep writing more, fiction or poetry or articles.)
It was also well received, and I even had a children's author, Kimberly Thompson give my kids her children's book. She was moved by my poem. How cool is that? When I publish my book or novella or whatever, I'm going to be that person that gives it away to writers I like and inspire me at readings. Probably not the younglings reading off their cell phones. (Look at the audience for crying out loud!). Ha ha ha. I also remembered another valuable lesson, and that is to always carry red lipstick. I had to borrow some from a stranger, now friend. Always carry your red lipstick with you. You never know when you will have to read poetry. #Resist === “True Faith in Unity” by Dr. Maria J. Estrada People say those in power will always eat a gluttonous feast of misery and profit. The poor will always get poorer. They will be with us in the shanties of San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora Where indias sell harsh mint chicles and Spiderman keychains to American tourists. In Gaslight District of San Diego, Califas Bleeding cardboard casitas and moldy sleeping bags of shame flap in the dry wind Street After street After street. Under Chicago’s viaducts, drivers sometimes share a look of meaningful sadness—between texts—maybe throw pocket change at single mother and prisoner toddler, in tent-home. The rich will forever gorge on the fruits of that Puritan zeal, anointed by years of Colonization, Slavery, Repression, Racism, Misogyny, For money Tu bien sabes. Y toda mi pobre gente? Que se chinguen! Dreamers? Que se chinguen! In fact, fascists already rounding up criminals forever nationally tattooed-- Gangeros. Unions preaching that loving proletarian-arm in-arm solidarity forever? Que se chinguen! Y Texas, Florida, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Devastated, starving Commonwealth like Colony. Like a Tourist Hacienda. You asking for some sustenance? Quieres pan? Tu necesitas agua? Some Aquafina in crystalline bottles? Te hace falta la luz for hospitals? Para vivir? Pues, Amen. I look to my children, who fill me with so much esperanza, and I wonder at their celestial dreams, Siempre soñando. Seven year old son, prays every day, “Dear God, Please make Trump a better man.” My heart laughs amazed at his Faith. My two year old hijita so sweet, powerfully determined prays, for her friends, the scared, los zoo animals, las zebras, her light-up shoes. She knows nothing of Twitter terrorist threats, fake nuclear news against North Korea, China, the Middle East. Against You. Pues esta bien, Let’s pray for our ruler enemies. Let’s also pray for what could be That Unity Where the abundance that is now The technological splendor that is now Will be shared gratis y sin verguenza. Unbridled and free for all to have And my children and your children and We —We won’t ever have to pray for their scraps anymore.
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Jesú Estrada
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