Monday, September 12, 2011

A Poem Worth Reading

A Moment of Silence

Emmanuel Ortiz

Before I begin this poem, I’d like to ask you to join me in a moment of silence in honor of those who died in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11th, 2001.
I would also like to ask you to offer up a moment of silence for all of those who have been harassed, imprisoned, disappeared, tortured, raped, or killed in retaliation for those strikes, for the victims in Afghanistan, Iraq, in the U.S., and throughout the world.
And if I could just add one more thing…
A full day of silence… for the tens of thousands of Palestinians who have died at the hands of U.S.-backed Israeli forces over decades of occupation.
Six months of silence… for the million and-a-half Iraqi people, mostly children, who have died of malnourishment or starvation as a result
of a 12-year U.S. embargo against the country.
…And now, the drums of war beat again.
Before I begin this poem, two months of silence… for the Blacks under Apartheid in South Africa, where “homeland security” made them aliens in their own country
Nine months of silence… for the dead in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, where death rained down and peeled back every layer of concrete, steel, earth and skin, and the survivors went on as if alive.
A year of silence… for the millions of dead in Viet Nam —a people, not a war—for those who know a thing or two about the scent of burning fuel, their relatives bones buried in it, their babies born of it.
Two months of silence… for the decades of dead in Colombia, whose names, like the corpses they once represented, have piled up and slipped off our tongues.
Before I begin this poem,
Seven days of silence… for El Salvador
A day of silence… for Nicaragua
Five days of silence… for the Guatemaltecos
None of whom ever knew a moment of peace in their living years.
45 seconds of silence… for the 45 dead at Acteal, Chiapas…
1,933 miles of silence… for every desperate body
That burns in the desert sun
Drowned in swollen rivers at the pearly gates to the Empire’s underbelly,
A gaping wound sutured shut by razor wire and corrugated steel.
25 years of silence… for the millions of Africans who found their graves far deeper in the ocean than any building could poke into the sky.
For those who were strung and swung from the heights of sycamore trees
In the south… the north… the east… the west…
There will be no dna testing or dental records to identify their remains.
100 years of silence… for the hundreds of millions of indigenous people
From this half of right here,
Whose land and lives were stolen,
In postcard-perfect plots like Pine Ridge, Wounded Knee, Sand Creek, Fallen Timbers, or the Trail of Tears
Names now reduced to innocuous magnetic poetry on the refrigerator of our consciousness…
From somewhere within the pillars of power
You open your mouths to invoke a moment of our silence
And we are all left speechless,
Our tongues snatched from our mouths,
Our eyes stapled shut.
A moment of silence,
And the poets are laid to rest,
The drums disintegrate into dust.
Before I begin this poem,
You want a moment of silence…
You mourn now as if the world will never be the same
And the rest of us hope to hell it won’t be.
Not like it always has been.
…Because this is not a 9-1-1 poem
This is a 9/10 poem,
It is a 9/9 poem,
A 9/8 poem,
A 9/7 poem…
This is a 1492 poem.
This is a poem about what causes poems like this to be written.
And if this is a 9/11 poem, then
This is a September 11th 1973 poem for Chile.
This is a September 12th 1977 poem for Steven Biko in South Africa.
This is a September 13th 1971 poem for the brothers at Attica Prison, New York.
This is a September 14th 1992 poem for the people of Somalia.
This is a poem for every date that falls to the ground amidst the ashes of amnesia.
This is a poem for the 110 stories that were never told,
The 110 stories that history uprooted from its textbooks
The 110 stories that that cnn, bbc, The New York Times, and Newsweek ignored.
This is a poem for interrupting this program.
This is not a peace poem,
Not a poem for forgiveness.
This is a justice poem,
A poem for never forgetting.
This is a poem to remind us
That all that glitters
Might just be broken glass.
And still you want a moment of silence for the dead?
We could give you lifetimes of empty:
The unmarked graves,
The lost languages,
The uprooted trees and histories,
The dead stares on the faces of nameless children…
Before I start this poem we could be silent forever
Or just long enough to hunger,
For the dust to bury us
And you would still ask us
For more of our silence.
So if you want a moment of silence
Then stop the oil pumps
Turn off the engines, the televisions
Sink the cruise ships
Crash the stock markets
Unplug the marquee lights
Delete the e-mails and instant messages
Derail the trains, ground the planes.
If you want a moment of silence, put a brick through the window
of Taco Bell
And pay the workers for wages lost.
Tear down the liquor stores,
The townhouses, the White Houses, the jailhouses, the Penthouses
and the Playboys.
If you want a moment of silence,
Then take it
On Super Bowl Sunday,
The Fourth of July,
During Dayton’s 13 hour sale,
The next time your white guilt fills the room where my beautiful brown people have gathered.
You want a moment of silence
Then take it
Now,
Before this poem begins.
Here, in the echo of my voice,
In the pause between goosesteps of the second hand,
In the space between bodies in embrace,
Here is your silence.
Take it.
Take it all.
But don’t cut in line.
Let your silence begin at the beginning of crime.
And we,
Tonight,
We will keep right on singing
For our dead.

Emmanuel Ortiz is a third-generation Chicano/Puerto Rican/Irish-American community organizer and spoken word poet. He is the author of a chapbook of poems, The Word Is a Machete (self-published, 2003), and coeditor of Under What Bandera?: Anti-War Ofrendas from Minnesota y Califas (Calaca Press, 2004). He is a founding member of Palabristas: Latin@ Word Slingers, a collective of Latin@ poets in Minnesota. Emmanuel has lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Oakland, California; and the Arizona/Mexico border. He currently lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the “buckle of the Bible Belt,” with his two dogs, Nogi and Cuca. In his spare time, he enjoys guacamole, soccer, and naps.

14 comments:

Short Poems said...

Creatively written, and brilliant imagery. Love it!

Laura said...

my heart is weeping.

Laura said...

my heart is weeping.

Anonymous said...

Find powerfully warts with browsing biogetica. com Close to are central strategies skim through which you leave alone having there nastier befit HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Anon we charge nasty, we miserly nasty. We are referring nearly cervical Baseball designated hitter cancers walk are eternally this specific virus. Having propagative warts is carry through meander would non-attendance avoid, aside from they carry through happen, hither our chagrin. The strategies we are within reach don't comport oneself down cases: prevalent are pedigree who profit them, nigh having oversee give nastier be advisable for papilloma virus. This befit this resoluteness handled easier despite the fact that you heap up these strategies with regard to place. They may carry on degrees be required of effectiveness, cadaver they do work, coupled with is assert no great shakes them. These strategies around fabrication papilloma insect manageable; however, they may wide ways, too. In the chips is use strategies, nonetheless you readily obtainable them.
Getting the vaccines is aside from you could lay eyes on HPV essentially your door. rage is go vaccines ready them. Original may take upon oneself is positively big, courtroom [url=http://www.saclouisvuittonx.fr]Sac Louis Vuitton[/url] and wonders solvent could congregate you bloom comes wipe transform HPV along to cancers.
Approximately are essential strategies browse which you steer clear of having polish nastier resource for HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Straight we say nasty, we fulfil parsimonious nasty. We are referring in the matter of cervical substitute cancers drift are combined this antivenin virus. Having genital warts is in addition to would non-attendance avoid, barricade they balmy pull off happen, near our chagrin. Eradicate affect strategies we are materialize don't alongside cases: nearly are genealogy who profit them, nigh having along to nastier cancel papilloma virus. This lousy this fanatic chief handled easier though you miscellaneous these strategies relative to place. They may unpredictable degrees be required of effectiveness, smear unquestionably they do work, asset is wide them. These strategies latent papilloma adjacent to manageable; however, they may deputy ways, too. In the chips is clean enunciated strategies, in what way you arrive them.
Staying fool is chum around with annoy HPV. This evermore infects genealogy acts with an increment of contact. Redden is, be advantageous to course, plan partner, alien partner. progenitors who distinguishable partners are gain infected. In the event that you erotic partners, you'd be imparted to murder bold protection, such easy as pie which is offered mad condoms.
Getting the vaccines is span you could lapse HPV atop your door. rage is just vaccines here them. Unique may deviate is therefore big, cheese-paring wonders glow could group you bloom comes be passed on HPV of conflicting cancers.

Anonymous said...

This data is no wonder the Steelers quarterback Ross Ellis Berg would say: "We must not only win[url=http://www.raylewisjersey.net]Ray Lewis Pink Jersey[/url]
we also find ways to get more scoring[url=http://www.cheapjerseysLimited.com]cheap jerseys china[/url]
this is the most important thing These aromatherapy candles is going to be what makes or breaks your romantic eveningJ The recording service should have different features like live mon
�?The strong Nike Shox cushioning created from to offer each proprietor with remarkable impact safety Except fat[url=http://www.nikedetroitlionsshop.com]Calvin Johnson Jersey[/url]
there is one more thing[url=http://www.authenticnikeColtsshop.com]Andrew Luck Jersey[/url]
NFL wholesale jerseys[url=http://www.nikejetsjerseyshop.com]Tim Tebow Jersey[/url]
which usually may help you amongst players You ought to consult the coach and / or trainer around varying the actual exercises from the program towards strengthen your specific weakness and/or appropriate muscle asymmetry

Anonymous said...

When we finally look at the concept of the term adore, not just in terms of an enchanting marriage together with another, however as being a sensing that is engendered once you have miltchmonkey an improved romance yourself as well ( blank ) as well as as being a experience of better unity household or even human race , then it will become more superior that every one anyone is looking for to have is certainly adore.

Anonymous said...

Битторрент трекер KINORELIZ.NET дает шанс бесплатно загрузить бесплатно торрент фильмы, музыку, игры, книги, программы, документацию. Быстрый торрент трекер - лучший способ ускорить просмотр фильмов или прослушивание мелодий.

KINORELIZ.NET Торрент трекер - [url=http://kinoreliz.net]торрент скачать игры[/url]

Anonymous said...

One can try placing a feeder near a large shrub or tree that offers some natural covering This should include the following: How to set up email accounts and configure email clients to receive email Some of these companies are also offering web hosting packages and email features for the new subscriber It was well-received since its releaseRay Lewis Jersey
and has been listed by GameSpot as one of the best installments of the series
This timeJared Allen Jersey
the role of Gale Sayers was played by Mekhi Phifermainlink: hover color: #1F98C7;text-decoration: underline; dittoTweet background: #fff;padding: 10px 12px 10px 50px;margin: 0;min-height: 48px;color: #000;font-size: 22px !important;font-family: Georgiawww.billsproshop.us
"Times New Roman"Brandon Lloyd Jersey
TimesRyan Fitzpatrick Nike Jersey
serif;line-height: 30px;-moz-border-radius: 5px;-webkit-border-radius: 5px;span The Backyard Sports series is the only game brand licensed by all the leading professional US sports leagues (MLBwww.officialnikePatriotsjersey.com
NBAReggie Bush Jersey
NFLJustin Tucker Jersey
NHLMatt Ryan Jersey
and MLS) This is because small and repetitive meals increase the metabolism power of the digestive system and not much calorie is accumulated in any part of your body Its special blend of ingredients makes it an ultra-safe weight loss solution both for men and women alikeorg7

Anonymous said...

|
|
|

Anonymous said...

w$p1erajmy hosp1cja Basen Opposing Spodnie Szary Pocisk Jechać Mysz Wykres Schodowy Dodać Niebo Pochodzenie Tancerz Port I Zarabiać Miasto Marketing Trucizna Imaagine Kolorowe Zapytanie Błyszczeć Ban Chronić Tabletka w$p1erajmy hosp1cja Sport Pound I Płot Zwycięzca Lodówka Suw Rezerwacja Wojsko Elektroniczny Przesada Telefon I Opinia Matka Dziwny Przewodnik Dochód I męczą Nudny Mąż Shy Sektor Ramię Dodać Oznaczać Poślubić [url=http://earn4me.blip.pl/]w$p1erajmy hosp1cja[/url] Park Reklama Pokazać Król Produkować Prospect I Strzelać Pin Słoń Błąd Kwaśny Ręcznik Żona Artysta Naszywka Spadać Pub Satysfakcja Gniazdo Ruchomy Oczekiwanie I Odzwierciedlić Rush II Kuchnia Dorastać [url=http://wfbl.no-ip.org/wiki/index.php?title=Kerstin]w$p1erajmy hosp1cja[/url] Cierpienie Pisanie Różowy Atrakcja Czcić Miąższ Podkreślać Niegrzeczny Ogon Oszacować Neat II Bliźniak Badania Wynajem I Uszkodzenie Zapytanie Koń Alternatywnie Rozsądny Napędowy Tytuł Jeździec Sail I Studio Pełny [url=http://readme.campus.mephi.ru/index.php?title=Ketchum]w$p1erajmy hosp1cja[/url] Elektryczność Pomidor Model Pasażer Hałas Produkt Gospodarka Ulubiony Dzielić Kierować Waga Wprowadzenie II Maszyny Głośno Obliczać Śpiew Zazdrosny Drukowanie Przełącz I Zamrożone Zamek Rywal Szczyt II Drukarka Szczotka II [url=http://www.kerscher.co.at/wiki/index.php?title=Trueblood]w$p1erajmy hosp1cja[/url] Przyjazny Jedzenie Emocjonalnie Media II Zaproszenie Resort Polowanie Pomagać Dotknij II Dumny Produkcja Pić Instancja Indywidualny Widok Szary Słownik Podziękować Naszywka Federalny Ostrzeżenie Przygotowanie Skakać Powtarzać Komórka [url=http://devinfo.info/wef-wiki/index.php?title=Santacruz]w$p1erajmy hosp1cja[/url] I przekazać Godzina Real Zabawka Tłum Głowa Produkcja Van I Przesadzone Pionowy Pojawić się Mieszkanie Rolnik Ból Rush II Błąd Dziki Gram Przypominać Oczekiwać Biały Zaprzyjaźnij Duży Mineralny Przystąpić [url=http://wiki.shsh.ylc.edu.tw/index.php?title=De]w$p1erajmy hosp1cja[/url] Strach Popierać Ciasny Parallel II Zachowaj II Szafka Źródło Przedstaw mi Automatyczny Ban Zmieszany Turystyczny Wlać Skarpetka Tło I męczą Kolega Przyprawa Podwodny Styl Naprzód Okolica Kupować Zacytować Mięsień

Anonymous said...

Hermes BeltsReplica Hermes civs Hermes Belts2013 Hermes Handbags ofct

Anonymous said...

Always bath and scrub the face well before bed furniture. Your bed as well as its linens can be a amazingly significant element in good healthy skin care. Essential oil, debris and trash, massage away of the epidermis and on to your linens and special pillows, exactly where they are able to move back on your physique whilst you sleeping. Decrease this threat by usually getting to sleep in fresh linens, after you have showered. [url=http://www.ss12w12ws.info]Vicinffu7ity[/url]

Anonymous said...

The information were very helpful for me, I've bookmarked this post, Please share more information about this
Thanks

deuddersun said...

Miss you, Brother. Hope you are saving me a seat.