WEBVTT NOTE Created by CaptionSync from Automatic Sync Technologies www.automaticsync.com 00:00:00.616 --> 00:00:02.446 align:middle >> Alright. 00:00:03.126 --> 00:00:07.076 align:middle I'm really delighted that you're all here and that we have 00:00:07.246 --> 00:00:10.366 align:middle such a good crowd to welcome Juan Felipe Herrera. 00:00:10.596 --> 00:00:14.436 align:middle I want to make a few announcements before we get started. 00:00:14.436 --> 00:00:16.416 align:middle We do have books for sale tonight. 00:00:16.416 --> 00:00:24.176 align:middle We have Juan Felipe's books and we also have Margarita Luna Robles's book Triptych; 00:00:24.506 --> 00:00:27.386 align:middle dreams, lust and other performances. 00:00:27.676 --> 00:00:29.796 align:middle A few copies remaining for sale. 00:00:30.346 --> 00:00:35.256 align:middle Margarita will be reading tomorrow night at Pima College, West Campus, 00:00:35.256 --> 00:00:39.966 align:middle at the Center for the Arts, but you can get a little preview if you get that book tonight. 00:00:42.046 --> 00:00:49.526 align:middle Juan Felipe Herrera's books of poetry include Rebozos of Love, Exiles of Desire, Face Games, 00:00:49.936 --> 00:00:52.686 align:middle which won the Before Columbus American Book Award -- 00:00:53.196 --> 00:00:56.856 align:middle And two new books coming out from Broken Moon Press. 00:00:57.426 --> 00:01:01.996 align:middle Indian Journeys, which will be a collection of essays and New and Selected Poems. 00:01:02.566 --> 00:01:05.516 align:middle He has an MFA from the University of Iowa. 00:01:06.366 --> 00:01:07.166 align:middle Surprising? 00:01:07.406 --> 00:01:08.796 align:middle You might think. 00:01:12.236 --> 00:01:15.716 align:middle As well as an MA in Anthropology from Stanford. 00:01:15.836 --> 00:01:17.906 align:middle He's had two NEA fellowships in poetry, 00:01:17.906 --> 00:01:22.626 align:middle four California Arts Council Artist Awards, many other awards and honors. 00:01:23.316 --> 00:01:29.006 align:middle His theater work includes the founding of a multimedia performance troupe in Los Angeles 00:01:29.536 --> 00:01:33.716 align:middle and a performance percussion ensemble in the Bay Area. 00:01:34.026 --> 00:01:41.236 align:middle He's also done work in theater and performance, most recently Dream Boxer, Free the Living, 00:01:41.236 --> 00:01:48.016 align:middle Find the Dead and the 1989 Bay Area Earthquake and Prison Journal and the Mural 00:01:48.016 --> 00:01:52.016 align:middle of the Innocent, at the 1990 Iowa Playwrights Festival. 00:01:53.756 --> 00:01:56.336 align:middle We fans of writing like the impossible. 00:01:56.926 --> 00:02:00.396 align:middle We admire those who put into words what we thought was inexpressible. 00:02:01.276 --> 00:02:06.486 align:middle When Felipe does that, his work combines compassionate political commitment 00:02:06.996 --> 00:02:10.056 align:middle and the wild imagination of surrealism, 00:02:10.616 --> 00:02:15.086 align:middle as fluidly as it combines the Spanish and English languages. 00:02:15.556 --> 00:02:17.656 align:middle We're very happy that he's with us tonight. 00:02:17.886 --> 00:02:19.806 align:middle Please, welcome Juan Felipe Herrera. 00:02:28.816 --> 00:02:29.166 align:middle >> Alright. 00:02:29.936 --> 00:02:30.676 align:middle Thank you very much. 00:02:31.586 --> 00:02:32.526 align:middle Muchas gracias. 00:02:33.136 --> 00:02:34.216 align:middle How you all doing? 00:02:34.216 --> 00:02:34.746 align:middle ¿Cómo están? 00:02:37.236 --> 00:02:37.726 align:middle Beautiful. 00:02:37.726 --> 00:02:38.306 align:middle You look great. 00:02:38.306 --> 00:02:39.966 align:middle Let me have a little bit tequilita. 00:02:40.296 --> 00:02:40.976 align:middle Be right there. 00:02:44.336 --> 00:02:44.736 align:middle It's good. 00:02:45.826 --> 00:02:46.596 align:middle Tucson style. 00:02:48.066 --> 00:02:52.846 align:middle I'm really happy to see you and I want to thank Alison Deming for inviting me 00:02:52.846 --> 00:02:54.346 align:middle and the Poetry Center for inviting me. 00:02:55.336 --> 00:02:58.976 align:middle I want to thank all of you for being here tonight, for bringing your -- 00:02:59.066 --> 00:03:04.056 align:middle [Inaudible] your visions and your hearts and your warmth and your spirits. 00:03:04.366 --> 00:03:05.096 align:middle Muchas gracias. 00:03:05.096 --> 00:03:05.596 align:middle Thank you. 00:03:05.816 --> 00:03:07.926 align:middle It's great for me to be here. 00:03:08.726 --> 00:03:14.216 align:middle I just spent a year in Southern Illinois, in Carbondale, en Carbondale -- 00:03:19.236 --> 00:03:22.536 align:middle And it was a wild -- It was a wild moment. 00:03:23.146 --> 00:03:23.996 align:middle It was a wild moment. 00:03:23.996 --> 00:03:26.026 align:middle Let's talk about it, let's talk about it sometime. 00:03:26.866 --> 00:03:34.106 align:middle And I'm back in Fresno town, in Big Fresno, en el Valle de San Joaquin, in San Joaquin Valley 00:03:35.106 --> 00:03:38.826 align:middle and teaching a storm up there and it's going great. 00:03:38.826 --> 00:03:40.896 align:middle I have like 180 students. 00:03:41.796 --> 00:03:43.496 align:middle And so, we do a lot of stuff. 00:03:43.496 --> 00:03:46.396 align:middle A little bit of theater, a little bit of teatro, a little bit of writing, 00:03:47.026 --> 00:03:49.146 align:middle a little bit of Historia and Culture. 00:03:50.026 --> 00:03:53.766 align:middle And I'll be happy to share that with you too. 00:03:54.086 --> 00:03:58.816 align:middle I'm happy to see so many of my friends I haven't seen for years, in some cases decades, 00:03:59.726 --> 00:04:01.216 align:middle and it's a special moment for me. 00:04:02.376 --> 00:04:07.846 align:middle In the other cases, maybe the last 10 years I haven't seen of my friends that are here tonight 00:04:07.846 --> 00:04:09.826 align:middle and all of you that I don't know, I'm glad to meet you. 00:04:09.826 --> 00:04:11.966 align:middle It's a pleasure to meet you. 00:04:11.966 --> 00:04:13.466 align:middle Muchas gracias. 00:04:14.696 --> 00:04:16.096 align:middle Again, I want to thank all of you. 00:04:17.236 --> 00:04:20.386 align:middle And let me backup a step because I do want to thank -- 00:04:21.356 --> 00:04:23.206 align:middle I do want to thank everything and everybody. 00:04:23.676 --> 00:04:30.326 align:middle I do want to thank the sky, for giving me light; I want to thank the earth, for giving me roots; 00:04:31.086 --> 00:04:35.286 align:middle I want to thank the winds for bringing me dreams and I want to thank the fires 00:04:35.286 --> 00:04:37.086 align:middle for bringing me warmth and color. 00:04:40.556 --> 00:04:40.946 align:middle Alright. 00:04:43.476 --> 00:04:43.866 align:middle Alright. 00:04:47.426 --> 00:04:48.776 align:middle Let's get our voices going here. 00:04:48.776 --> 00:04:50.236 align:middle You know, let's get our voices going here. 00:04:53.816 --> 00:04:55.136 align:middle Everybody say Tucson. 00:04:55.936 --> 00:04:57.026 align:middle >> Tucson. 00:04:57.026 --> 00:04:57.376 align:middle >> Alright. 00:04:57.376 --> 00:04:58.826 align:middle Everybody say guaca. 00:04:59.186 --> 00:05:00.126 align:middle >> Guaca. 00:05:00.176 --> 00:05:01.606 align:middle >> Everybody say mole. 00:05:01.606 --> 00:05:01.696 align:middle >> Mole. 00:05:01.696 --> 00:05:02.136 align:middle >> Guaca. 00:05:02.136 --> 00:05:02.756 align:middle >> Guaca. 00:05:03.266 --> 00:05:05.246 align:middle >> Alright. 00:05:05.356 --> 00:05:07.646 align:middle Yeah. 00:05:11.046 --> 00:05:16.986 align:middle Well, let me tell you guacamole, I discovered this in Bisbee. 00:05:17.596 --> 00:05:19.176 align:middle I discovered this in Bisbee. 00:05:19.176 --> 00:05:25.106 align:middle Guacamole really is the original form of kryptonite and it really is. 00:05:29.456 --> 00:05:31.056 align:middle So let's get into language. 00:05:31.056 --> 00:05:35.466 align:middle Let's get into some terms and I want to invite you to fall in with me, feel free to fall in, 00:05:35.956 --> 00:05:42.726 align:middle feel free to savor the language and the letters, las letras and the inventions. 00:05:42.776 --> 00:05:46.346 align:middle This is notes on other Chicana and Chicano inventions, 00:05:46.866 --> 00:05:50.366 align:middle for all middle school teachers and bilingual teacher aids. 00:05:50.366 --> 00:05:51.516 align:middle Let's give them a big hand. 00:05:51.516 --> 00:05:52.356 align:middle Let's give them a hand. 00:05:59.426 --> 00:06:03.346 align:middle One of my friends, [inaudible] Negrete from Chicago said "You know, 00:06:03.346 --> 00:06:06.616 align:middle I could've gone to college, if it wasn't for high school." 00:06:11.386 --> 00:06:14.346 align:middle Notes on other Chicana and Chicano inventions. 00:06:14.346 --> 00:06:16.716 align:middle Like I said, cilantro aftershave. 00:06:17.416 --> 00:06:19.626 align:middle I used to hang out. 00:06:19.736 --> 00:06:21.116 align:middle I still hang out at San Diego High. 00:06:21.586 --> 00:06:22.706 align:middle I was a downtown boy. 00:06:22.706 --> 00:06:24.336 align:middle I was a Logan Heights Barrio boy. 00:06:24.336 --> 00:06:25.826 align:middle I was a tortilleria boy. 00:06:26.456 --> 00:06:29.326 align:middle The best smells are in tortillerias. 00:06:30.156 --> 00:06:31.266 align:middle It's not Max Factor [phonetic]. 00:06:32.096 --> 00:06:33.576 align:middle It's not fabergé. 00:06:34.436 --> 00:06:35.596 align:middle It's not minotaur. 00:06:36.486 --> 00:06:38.326 align:middle Es en la tortillería. 00:06:38.946 --> 00:06:44.726 align:middle So I thought about what could be the really coolest cologne to take to school, you know? 00:06:44.756 --> 00:06:45.896 align:middle To splash on. 00:06:47.106 --> 00:06:48.426 align:middle And I figured, there it is. 00:06:48.426 --> 00:06:49.606 align:middle It's got to be cilantro. 00:06:52.266 --> 00:06:55.176 align:middle Ese Chicano Irish four leaf clover. 00:06:55.286 --> 00:06:55.966 align:middle That's what it is. 00:06:59.076 --> 00:07:01.396 align:middle Hominy and peanut butter burritos. 00:07:04.146 --> 00:07:08.356 align:middle If you're from Tucson, you know what I'm talking about. 00:07:09.816 --> 00:07:11.006 align:middle Sandwiches. 00:07:13.216 --> 00:07:15.676 align:middle Sardinas con ketchup. 00:07:18.256 --> 00:07:21.686 align:middle As you can tell, I believe in very plain poetry. 00:07:24.226 --> 00:07:27.716 align:middle I'm not going to mention the lowrider. 00:07:27.866 --> 00:07:29.766 align:middle Actually created in Tijuas. 00:07:29.766 --> 00:07:31.436 align:middle Everybody say Tijuas. 00:07:32.016 --> 00:07:32.716 align:middle >> Tijuas. 00:07:32.716 --> 00:07:33.316 align:middle >> That's right. 00:07:33.316 --> 00:07:38.066 align:middle En Tijuana, in the 40s, José Samuel Flores told me mecánico de primera. 00:07:38.066 --> 00:07:39.526 align:middle He was a really first-class mechanic. 00:07:40.406 --> 00:07:44.426 align:middle Huevos for empacho and mal ojo, alright? 00:07:44.426 --> 00:07:49.986 align:middle If you ever get mal ojo, that little evil eye comes crawling out of that left hand corner 00:07:50.056 --> 00:07:52.696 align:middle of the street or out of your literature book. 00:07:57.916 --> 00:08:02.496 align:middle Or you get empacho, this ashen column of smoke comes roaring at you 00:08:02.496 --> 00:08:05.316 align:middle when you open the door one morning and it just -- 00:08:05.316 --> 00:08:07.426 align:middle It just stops you and your lungs freeze up on you? 00:08:08.686 --> 00:08:09.826 align:middle Well, there's ways to cure that. 00:08:10.906 --> 00:08:12.536 align:middle Plantillas for bad fiebres. 00:08:12.596 --> 00:08:14.216 align:middle How many people have had plants? 00:08:14.776 --> 00:08:18.456 align:middle It is a really coolest way to kill a fever. 00:08:18.586 --> 00:08:19.336 align:middle It's really cool. 00:08:20.146 --> 00:08:20.776 align:middle It's really cool. 00:08:21.416 --> 00:08:22.756 align:middle You take off all your clothes -- 00:08:25.456 --> 00:08:29.136 align:middle -- your mom puts hog lard on on your entire body -- 00:08:32.686 --> 00:08:34.536 align:middle -- mixed in with bicarbonate soda. 00:08:38.046 --> 00:08:44.556 align:middle Then your mom wraps you up with the latest newspaper, takes three ply string and ties it 00:08:44.556 --> 00:08:48.386 align:middle around you, so that the newspaper won't fall off while you're sleeping. 00:08:48.936 --> 00:08:52.386 align:middle And then in the morning, you wake up, you go "Hey, I'm cool. 00:08:53.026 --> 00:08:55.076 align:middle I ain't go no fever anymore. 00:08:55.696 --> 00:08:57.826 align:middle I'm back to basics." 00:08:58.216 --> 00:09:02.786 align:middle Bendiciones for a good day, migajón for enojo, arroz con leche with pasas, 00:09:03.136 --> 00:09:08.716 align:middle ponches de huevo con canela, the art of eating Vick's vaporub with your dedos. 00:09:12.256 --> 00:09:15.876 align:middle You ever tried that before an exam? 00:09:19.596 --> 00:09:22.236 align:middle The art of sucking an egg without breaking the shell. 00:09:22.316 --> 00:09:28.626 align:middle Hey, let me tell you, the art is splashing yourself with alcohol en ruda. 00:09:28.626 --> 00:09:33.456 align:middle Have you ever seen your mom splash herself with alcohol olive she's splashing herself? 00:09:33.856 --> 00:09:34.486 align:middle That's an art. 00:09:34.816 --> 00:09:36.966 align:middle Sobadas. Everybody say sobadas. 00:09:37.216 --> 00:09:38.066 align:middle >> Sobadas. 00:09:38.066 --> 00:09:39.156 align:middle >> Aceitadas. 00:09:39.236 --> 00:09:40.156 align:middle >> Aceitadas. 00:09:40.156 --> 00:09:41.266 align:middle >> Hueseras. 00:09:41.466 --> 00:09:42.106 align:middle >> Hueseras. 00:09:42.106 --> 00:09:43.476 align:middle >> Curanderos. 00:09:43.476 --> 00:09:44.506 align:middle >> Curanderos. 00:09:44.506 --> 00:09:45.676 align:middle >> Mamberos. 00:09:45.816 --> 00:09:46.596 align:middle >> Mamberos. 00:09:46.596 --> 00:09:47.936 align:middle >> Merengadas. 00:09:48.126 --> 00:09:48.996 align:middle >> Merengadas. 00:09:48.996 --> 00:09:49.996 align:middle >> Tepaches. 00:09:49.996 --> 00:09:50.226 align:middle >> Tepaches. 00:09:50.366 --> 00:09:51.286 align:middle >> Tardeadas. 00:09:51.286 --> 00:09:51.896 align:middle >> Tardeadas. 00:09:51.896 --> 00:09:53.516 align:middle >> Lunadas. 00:09:53.516 --> 00:09:54.696 align:middle >> Lunadas. 00:09:55.146 --> 00:09:57.116 align:middle >> Y barbequiadas. 00:09:57.116 --> 00:10:00.336 align:middle >> Y barbequiadas. 00:10:00.336 --> 00:10:02.196 align:middle >> You got it. 00:10:02.196 --> 00:10:02.806 align:middle You got it. 00:10:02.806 --> 00:10:05.646 align:middle Jalapenos in a Circle K bag. 00:10:08.676 --> 00:10:15.026 align:middle When Christmas time comes around, my cuñado Louis [phonetic] told me about this 00:10:15.406 --> 00:10:16.996 align:middle because you can use this line, Juan Felipe. 00:10:17.676 --> 00:10:21.866 align:middle You can use this line on the 12 Days of -- Jalapenos on a Circle K bag. 00:10:26.786 --> 00:10:27.566 align:middle So I give it to you. 00:10:30.056 --> 00:10:30.806 align:middle I give it to you. 00:10:30.806 --> 00:10:33.286 align:middle This Christmas, when it comes around, you are going to all be chanting 00:10:33.286 --> 00:10:36.126 align:middle out there jalapenos on a Circle K bag. 00:10:36.126 --> 00:10:41.976 align:middle How to wear your khakis high up to your chin without chopping your nachas. 00:10:44.086 --> 00:10:49.576 align:middle Right? How to roll up your Catholic pleated skirt and look favorable. 00:10:49.706 --> 00:10:53.416 align:middle How to make braids out of anything. 00:10:55.256 --> 00:10:59.256 align:middle Masa, calcetines, socks. 00:11:00.516 --> 00:11:04.546 align:middle How to take a two by four and make skate surfboards. 00:11:05.726 --> 00:11:08.866 align:middle You've seen your grandpa out there bla, bla, bla, bla. 00:11:08.996 --> 00:11:10.116 align:middle What are you doing grandpa? 00:11:11.376 --> 00:11:12.286 align:middle Shh, muchacho. 00:11:13.136 --> 00:11:14.506 align:middle I'm making a Hobie surfboard. 00:11:19.136 --> 00:11:20.726 align:middle Right? I am from San Diego, you know? 00:11:20.856 --> 00:11:25.606 align:middle [Inaudible], took my big [inaudible] for surfboard. 00:11:30.056 --> 00:11:32.796 align:middle Get out of my way, sucker. 00:11:35.046 --> 00:11:38.396 align:middle How to make parches and remendadas and empanadas de camote. 00:11:38.396 --> 00:11:41.186 align:middle How to make velas take your prayers to the universe, 00:11:41.396 --> 00:11:44.206 align:middle how to make salsa with stones, fire and boxwood. 00:11:44.536 --> 00:11:49.756 align:middle How to make the [inaudible] say por favor; sí, señor; sí, señora. 00:11:49.756 --> 00:11:51.426 align:middle See those little trained chickens in the backyard? 00:11:51.426 --> 00:11:53.876 align:middle Little workshop. 00:11:54.146 --> 00:11:55.186 align:middle Little chicken workshop. 00:11:56.206 --> 00:12:01.506 align:middle How to feed the cat steak con papas; beef, fries and espinaca. 00:12:02.346 --> 00:12:03.626 align:middle You ever tried espinaca? 00:12:03.626 --> 00:12:05.566 align:middle Everybody say espinaca. 00:12:05.616 --> 00:12:06.576 align:middle >> Espinaca 00:12:06.576 --> 00:12:07.746 align:middle >> Isn't that bit spinach? 00:12:08.136 --> 00:12:12.616 align:middle Espinaca. We can feed the cat espinaca. 00:12:13.126 --> 00:12:16.756 align:middle How to bang on the roof to get the tapa de la olla down. 00:12:17.046 --> 00:12:22.916 align:middle If you ever get to the tapa to your olla that you cook in the big tapa and you get it on top 00:12:22.916 --> 00:12:24.556 align:middle of the roof, there's a way to get it down. 00:12:25.136 --> 00:12:25.726 align:middle Just bang on. 00:12:26.336 --> 00:12:31.756 align:middle How to get your hair high up so it looks like a tipi. 00:12:32.126 --> 00:12:34.126 align:middle That's right. 00:12:34.486 --> 00:12:35.976 align:middle The word machaca, everybody. 00:12:36.306 --> 00:12:39.006 align:middle Machaca. The word fayuquero. 00:12:39.176 --> 00:12:40.646 align:middle Fayuquero. 00:12:40.646 --> 00:12:42.576 align:middle The word garabato. 00:12:42.886 --> 00:12:46.616 align:middle Garabato. The word chocholucos. 00:12:46.756 --> 00:12:48.116 align:middle >> Chocholucos. 00:12:48.286 --> 00:12:50.016 align:middle >> The word brecas. 00:12:50.146 --> 00:12:51.386 align:middle >> Brecas. 00:12:51.386 --> 00:12:53.586 align:middle >> The word chorreadas. 00:12:53.736 --> 00:12:55.146 align:middle >> Chorreadas. 00:12:55.146 --> 00:12:56.806 align:middle >> The word apestosidad. 00:12:57.176 --> 00:12:59.406 align:middle >> Apestosidad. 00:12:59.406 --> 00:13:02.576 align:middle >> Your mom comes in the door and you're doing something, I don't know what you're doing, 00:13:02.906 --> 00:13:06.826 align:middle you kind of let go, you free yourself up, you got a spiritual connection that afternoon. 00:13:09.076 --> 00:13:09.716 align:middle And your mom goes -- 00:13:12.146 --> 00:13:14.276 align:middle -- what's that apestosidad? 00:13:14.346 --> 00:13:17.076 align:middle Alright? The word huevonetes, everybody. 00:13:17.256 --> 00:13:18.476 align:middle >> Huevonetes. 00:13:18.476 --> 00:13:19.216 align:middle >> You got it. 00:13:19.416 --> 00:13:20.836 align:middle The word achicopalado. 00:13:21.236 --> 00:13:22.366 align:middle >> Achicopalado. 00:13:22.366 --> 00:13:23.686 align:middle >> Do you feel achicopalado? 00:13:24.556 --> 00:13:26.496 align:middle Do you feel achicopalado? 00:13:27.386 --> 00:13:28.256 align:middle Achicopalada? 00:13:28.706 --> 00:13:29.516 align:middle You need therapy? 00:13:29.686 --> 00:13:31.046 align:middle The word mixteada. 00:13:31.236 --> 00:13:37.936 align:middle Mixteada. You got it all mixed up, right? 00:13:37.936 --> 00:13:39.686 align:middle The word verruga. 00:13:39.686 --> 00:13:40.386 align:middle >> Verruga. 00:13:40.856 --> 00:13:42.996 align:middle >> The word estinche. 00:13:43.086 --> 00:13:44.716 align:middle >> Estinche. 00:13:44.836 --> 00:13:50.696 align:middle >> Yeah. And code words like caldo. 00:13:51.566 --> 00:13:52.426 align:middle >> Caldo. 00:13:52.726 --> 00:13:55.526 align:middle >> Code words like pelotas. 00:13:55.526 --> 00:13:56.916 align:middle >> Pelotas. 00:13:57.106 --> 00:14:00.236 align:middle >> Code words like ojos de rata. 00:14:00.236 --> 00:14:02.166 align:middle >> Ojos de rata. 00:14:02.166 --> 00:14:02.636 align:middle >> Geeh, mom. 00:14:02.636 --> 00:14:03.706 align:middle I don't know about Frankie. 00:14:04.176 --> 00:14:05.426 align:middle Well, what is it, Cheryl [phonetic]? 00:14:05.936 --> 00:14:09.416 align:middle Well, mom, you know, Frankie, he's ok. 00:14:09.866 --> 00:14:10.116 align:middle >> Oh, yeah. 00:14:10.116 --> 00:14:10.836 align:middle That's right, Cheryl. 00:14:10.836 --> 00:14:14.076 align:middle He's, you know, he's at Tucson High and he's got straight As. 00:14:14.076 --> 00:14:17.976 align:middle Yeah, mom, but he's got ojos de rata. 00:14:20.466 --> 00:14:26.976 align:middle Phrases like "You better wash those dishes, Juan, or I'll give you a guamazo." 00:14:30.356 --> 00:14:35.406 align:middle Phrases like "I said, wash those trastes o te tuerzo el hocico, boy." 00:14:38.336 --> 00:14:40.576 align:middle You know I mess around in Tucson. 00:14:42.286 --> 00:14:48.376 align:middle Phrases like "You better not hang around with that bola de marihuanos o arranco 00:14:48.376 --> 00:14:53.346 align:middle that branch off el árbol y te curo las sentaderas." 00:14:58.196 --> 00:15:05.706 align:middle Phrases like "Keep on painting your carota de chancla like that and you're going 00:15:05.706 --> 00:15:11.976 align:middle to get granotes the size of a calabaza, you hear it, escuincla?" 00:15:14.426 --> 00:15:20.286 align:middle Those are some of the Notes on Chicana and Chicano inventions for all of you. 00:15:35.706 --> 00:15:40.476 align:middle I really enjoyed myself today speaking with a number of the students from the writing workshop 00:15:40.476 --> 00:15:44.596 align:middle and a number of the writers outside the writing workshop and artists 00:15:44.596 --> 00:15:46.956 align:middle and playwrights and performers and dancers. 00:15:46.956 --> 00:15:47.776 align:middle I had a great time. 00:15:49.586 --> 00:15:53.806 align:middle And I just want you to know you have a lot of good people here and they're full of energy 00:15:53.806 --> 00:15:57.626 align:middle and I would love to live here and hang out with them. 00:15:57.826 --> 00:15:59.626 align:middle They're doing great things. 00:16:00.556 --> 00:16:04.366 align:middle This is Chicano literature 100. 00:16:04.446 --> 00:16:07.316 align:middle First of all you're not going to find this stuff at the mall. 00:16:10.096 --> 00:16:12.266 align:middle In one of those flashy pendejadas' shops. 00:16:13.666 --> 00:16:18.386 align:middle Maybe you'll have to quiet yourself down, listen to yourself. 00:16:18.966 --> 00:16:24.376 align:middle Trae pintura for a few days, maybe weeks. 00:16:26.116 --> 00:16:29.586 align:middle Take rainy walks, make small mirrors, 00:16:30.116 --> 00:16:34.636 align:middle [inaudible] the front yarda, listen to the [inaudible]. 00:16:34.886 --> 00:16:40.156 align:middle Speak, do it for your abuelita if she still lives. 00:16:41.216 --> 00:16:43.486 align:middle Do it without berrinches. 00:16:44.846 --> 00:16:47.156 align:middle Dig a black dirt on the trail in the forest. 00:16:48.356 --> 00:16:53.816 align:middle Carry twisted wood and leave it at the edge of the road, with good words between you 00:16:53.816 --> 00:16:56.166 align:middle and the squirrel behind the trees. 00:16:57.296 --> 00:17:03.926 align:middle Go back. Find the seed voices, the ones that raised you, the letters that arrived 00:17:04.476 --> 00:17:08.666 align:middle with [inaudible] red blue spirit, the ancient songs deep inside. 00:17:12.576 --> 00:17:15.896 align:middle That's - It's for you. 00:17:16.356 --> 00:17:17.366 align:middle It's all for you. 00:17:23.876 --> 00:17:25.566 align:middle Cry like a man, carnal. 00:17:29.876 --> 00:17:35.846 align:middle Days after my mother died, Margarita said "She was all you had." 00:17:36.796 --> 00:17:37.876 align:middle No brothers -- 00:17:40.076 --> 00:17:42.286 align:middle -- no sister, no father. 00:17:42.526 --> 00:17:47.956 align:middle Believe me, I hadn't even thought about it. 00:17:50.076 --> 00:17:51.746 align:middle I was busy with the veils in my head. 00:17:52.276 --> 00:17:55.826 align:middle The poetry and the community thing. 00:17:56.696 --> 00:18:01.066 align:middle Just went on teaching at Deanza Community College, 00:18:02.536 --> 00:18:04.256 align:middle until the day came when she couldn't breathe. 00:18:05.366 --> 00:18:10.176 align:middle I was numb, stone-like inside. 00:18:11.606 --> 00:18:19.686 align:middle After I left the San Jose Hospital, on 14th Street, 11:45 p.m. A Thursday, last Thursday, 00:18:19.686 --> 00:18:26.886 align:middle en Julio, 1986, Margarita came back. 00:18:27.096 --> 00:18:31.136 align:middle You know, [inaudible], el japonés, 00:18:32.416 --> 00:18:36.406 align:middle the one always saying fuck this, fuck that at the office. 00:18:36.406 --> 00:18:39.926 align:middle You know, the tough vato who wears sandals to work? 00:18:42.506 --> 00:18:46.446 align:middle You should have seen the day his jefita passed away. 00:18:47.016 --> 00:18:52.976 align:middle In front of everybody, he cried like a baby. 00:18:56.226 --> 00:18:58.226 align:middle A night later, I invited a few friends. 00:18:59.046 --> 00:19:02.026 align:middle Barlo [phonetic] and my tía Albina, who I hadn't seen in years, 00:19:03.206 --> 00:19:09.276 align:middle since you moved to Santa Clara when my tío Beto was alive, each one spoke in the narrow circle. 00:19:10.016 --> 00:19:16.606 align:middle Barlo read a poem and it was the first time I ever heard my tía Albina talk about my mother. 00:19:19.106 --> 00:19:23.196 align:middle When it was my turn, next to my mother's ashes, at the open center, 00:19:24.586 --> 00:19:28.266 align:middle believe me, camaradas, I began to cry. 00:19:29.666 --> 00:19:31.266 align:middle This was my beginning. 00:19:44.416 --> 00:19:48.406 align:middle John [phonetic] Estrada throws -- His white folklórico botas on. 00:19:54.456 --> 00:19:56.146 align:middle Throwing chingasos. 00:19:56.966 --> 00:19:58.176 align:middle Throwing gatos. 00:19:58.756 --> 00:19:59.546 align:middle Throwing chingasos. 00:19:59.546 --> 00:20:00.956 align:middle You know what throwing chingasos is? 00:20:01.536 --> 00:20:04.616 align:middle It's kind of [inaudible] and fighting it out. 00:20:05.236 --> 00:20:06.696 align:middle Just throwing the chingasos. 00:20:07.616 --> 00:20:12.416 align:middle So this is John Estrada, throwing chingasos with his white folklórico -- I translate it. 00:20:18.046 --> 00:20:19.156 align:middle Botas on. 00:20:24.356 --> 00:20:29.856 align:middle Estrada was a güero from [inaudible], a Chicano with a cara de leche. 00:20:31.156 --> 00:20:35.196 align:middle He even wore botas blancas in Emilio Pulido's ballet. 00:20:36.016 --> 00:20:38.626 align:middle When we ate lonche next to Campbell Hall at UCLA, 00:20:38.626 --> 00:20:44.026 align:middle he'd go around with a black wrestling máscara, sneaking up on gente. 00:20:44.076 --> 00:20:46.926 align:middle Boo, Carnal! 00:20:47.596 --> 00:20:52.726 align:middle He'd say. Boo, Mr. Aslan [phonetic]! 00:20:54.196 --> 00:20:57.966 align:middle All the Chicano studies and PhD bofos would laugh at him. 00:20:59.236 --> 00:21:00.756 align:middle Ha-he-he-ha-ha! 00:21:03.146 --> 00:21:09.356 align:middle The day we shut down the University, Black Student Union, SDS, would back up and marched 00:21:09.356 --> 00:21:17.966 align:middle down to the administration quebrando ventanas, slamming outside of the center of [inaudible], 00:21:18.066 --> 00:21:25.296 align:middle next to Haines hall, we saw Estrada raising la bandera. 00:21:26.116 --> 00:21:37.496 align:middle Yeah, he was raising la bandera, our bandera, taking down the other one, throwing chingasos, 00:21:37.776 --> 00:21:42.486 align:middle getting it done with his white folklórico botas on. 00:21:47.136 --> 00:21:49.886 align:middle Alright. That's for you. 00:21:49.886 --> 00:21:51.976 align:middle That's for you. 00:21:54.626 --> 00:21:58.166 align:middle You know, you know how it is, you know how it feels to be in the plantation. 00:22:02.566 --> 00:22:10.016 align:middle Whatever ilk, gender orientation, or formation it may be -- 00:22:13.166 --> 00:22:15.086 align:middle - and it's nice to break out of that. 00:22:15.876 --> 00:22:17.656 align:middle So I dedicate that poem to all of you. 00:22:20.316 --> 00:22:21.276 align:middle This one is called mocos. 00:22:28.226 --> 00:22:30.596 align:middle I just sent this to a publisher and she said "Oh, this is a great piece. 00:22:32.136 --> 00:22:33.726 align:middle We're going to publish it in the Fall." 00:22:34.176 --> 00:22:35.416 align:middle But, you know what? 00:22:35.416 --> 00:22:36.846 align:middle I don't think she knows what mocos means. 00:22:37.506 --> 00:22:39.576 align:middle But she doesn't know it means snot. 00:22:42.186 --> 00:22:44.246 align:middle Stands for Mexicans or Chicanos or something. 00:22:51.126 --> 00:22:51.966 align:middle That's the way I put it. 00:22:51.966 --> 00:22:54.976 align:middle "Oh, we're going to publish it this Fall." 00:22:57.796 --> 00:22:58.966 align:middle I could never figure it out. 00:23:01.066 --> 00:23:02.006 align:middle What was it? 00:23:02.556 --> 00:23:05.536 align:middle This funny cilantro shave [inaudible] popping out of my chest. 00:23:06.106 --> 00:23:11.036 align:middle Feels like when you swallow a hard ripped tortilla chip and it jams in your throat. 00:23:13.256 --> 00:23:18.846 align:middle So you flex your throat, muscles, you push it down like a boa because you're starved. 00:23:19.376 --> 00:23:26.656 align:middle You by the flared [inaudible] way down, but instead of smoothing, the pain sharpens. 00:23:27.596 --> 00:23:29.606 align:middle The chip inflates, jams up again. 00:23:30.426 --> 00:23:35.966 align:middle Around this thoracic area, creates its own habitat, lives there a bit. 00:23:39.436 --> 00:23:42.276 align:middle Turns into a reddish chrome plate piece. 00:23:43.816 --> 00:23:48.566 align:middle Then you're in the Mexican Badlands, the Chicano [inaudible] shithole, 00:23:49.216 --> 00:23:54.376 align:middle the Kafkian one-room apartment where there's a Catholic bag of crazy apple skulls, 00:23:54.906 --> 00:23:57.886 align:middle ready to come flying at your cockroach armored back skin. 00:24:00.456 --> 00:24:02.086 align:middle What do I call myself here? 00:24:03.616 --> 00:24:06.146 align:middle Wittgenstein [phonetic] couldn't even figure out what he was feeling 00:24:06.546 --> 00:24:09.346 align:middle when he tightened his fingers and folded his palm into a fist. 00:24:10.296 --> 00:24:11.216 align:middle Was is temperature? 00:24:11.506 --> 00:24:14.266 align:middle He asked. Position? 00:24:15.766 --> 00:24:16.786 align:middle Centrality? 00:24:17.426 --> 00:24:19.436 align:middle Was it clarity? 00:24:21.346 --> 00:24:22.326 align:middle Was it Mayan? 00:24:23.656 --> 00:24:26.366 align:middle Was it eastern clouds with serpentine illumination? 00:24:27.856 --> 00:24:32.956 align:middle What? In the Autumn of 67, the best I could do was [inaudible] 00:24:33.116 --> 00:24:36.676 align:middle to Beverly Hills whenever possible, run into Saks Fifth Avenue, 00:24:36.966 --> 00:24:39.436 align:middle treat myself to an Italian long sleeve shirt. 00:24:40.026 --> 00:24:42.986 align:middle No one expects this. 00:24:43.536 --> 00:24:47.226 align:middle None of my revolutionary friends would ever imagine me going 00:24:47.226 --> 00:24:50.066 align:middle up to the second floor perishing in the men's section. 00:24:51.626 --> 00:24:53.256 align:middle This has always been my weak side. 00:24:54.896 --> 00:24:55.576 align:middle I admit it. 00:24:56.426 --> 00:25:04.426 align:middle Fine Italian shirts with radiant coloration, sweaters with an oval neck design, thick weaves 00:25:04.426 --> 00:25:12.566 align:middle and ultramarine for pants, cherry red, extra thick corduroy and, on occasion, right? 00:25:13.446 --> 00:25:16.206 align:middle Pinstripes, cinnamon brown stove pipes. 00:25:16.856 --> 00:25:18.786 align:middle I got this from the Rolling Stones. 00:25:21.676 --> 00:25:24.766 align:middle Brian Jones always wore that. 00:25:25.386 --> 00:25:28.736 align:middle One time, I switched my Star Wars see-through purple shirt 00:25:28.776 --> 00:25:33.036 align:middle that my novia Carol made from women's maternity fabric. 00:25:33.256 --> 00:25:39.276 align:middle My pants were purple too I was in a groove, in the Autumn of 67. 00:25:39.806 --> 00:25:44.626 align:middle The only thing that caught me by surprise was Carlos Chavez, a movimiento buddy, 00:25:44.976 --> 00:25:48.496 align:middle stabbed in Venice Beach, got in a bad brawl with some beach dopers. 00:25:49.186 --> 00:25:50.956 align:middle Cut bad grass with too much sugar. 00:25:52.406 --> 00:25:54.836 align:middle Came back to our path five minutes from the piers, 00:25:54.926 --> 00:25:59.026 align:middle pushing into his distorted stomach, tucking back his tripas. 00:26:00.356 --> 00:26:06.146 align:middle Late night steak sandwiches, washed down with -- A favorite treat at La casa naca, 00:26:06.396 --> 00:26:12.186 align:middle our Chicano path in Venice, the sangria Hector Leon made was the best. 00:26:13.346 --> 00:26:14.306 align:middle Want to let you in on that. 00:26:15.366 --> 00:26:18.966 align:middle Especially if he was in one of his furious redemption moods. 00:26:21.126 --> 00:26:22.386 align:middle Hector had a holly streak. 00:26:23.346 --> 00:26:29.696 align:middle He that was stoned on Hieronymus Bosch or Jesus Christ, but you could always count on Hector 00:26:29.696 --> 00:26:32.206 align:middle to give you the right red feeling for the rest of the day. 00:26:33.176 --> 00:26:35.576 align:middle Hector missed his father. 00:26:35.576 --> 00:26:42.046 align:middle I was talked about him, cried sometimes, said he never met him. 00:26:43.356 --> 00:26:45.906 align:middle His mother had raised him alone in the City of Commerce, 00:26:46.516 --> 00:26:50.136 align:middle an industrial plutonium pit in the middle of LA. 00:26:50.566 --> 00:26:54.346 align:middle Hector carried a tiny silver chain around his neck with a locket, 00:26:54.346 --> 00:26:57.606 align:middle where he kept a miniature photo of his dad. 00:26:58.596 --> 00:27:03.216 align:middle I don't think he ever saw or heard from him in all his 17 years. 00:27:04.336 --> 00:27:05.686 align:middle It drove Hector to a higher level. 00:27:06.526 --> 00:27:12.976 align:middle Would go up to his pet on Wilshire, smoke up and follow Bosch into a mullet draped woods, 00:27:13.056 --> 00:27:18.026 align:middle creep into the shattered eggshell [inaudible] that lived there, broken and one-eyed. 00:27:18.746 --> 00:27:22.486 align:middle When he made sangria in our kitchen, slamming cut oranges and grapes 00:27:22.486 --> 00:27:27.356 align:middle into one filled tin bucket, he let his mouth hang open and he would hunch up 00:27:27.356 --> 00:27:30.086 align:middle and mumble words out like "Pura piña. 00:27:30.276 --> 00:27:31.536 align:middle Te voy a curar. 00:27:31.766 --> 00:27:33.276 align:middle Somos mazatecas. 00:27:33.476 --> 00:27:38.116 align:middle La liberación is in your mouth, carnal." 00:27:38.176 --> 00:27:39.346 align:middle I stretched back. 00:27:40.716 --> 00:27:45.716 align:middle Carlos got stabbed the same night when I had wolfed an extra large bag of raw walnuts. 00:27:46.636 --> 00:27:49.756 align:middle It's so many nights I had to walk five miles to ease a stone pain 00:27:50.246 --> 00:27:53.496 align:middle in my rib cage area, walked all the way to Malibu. 00:27:54.486 --> 00:27:57.616 align:middle On the way back, I found out about Carlos and then about another carnal, 00:27:58.666 --> 00:28:00.326 align:middle a Jewish vato named Stein [phonetic]. 00:28:01.576 --> 00:28:06.576 align:middle Stein's favorite saying was "If you're not on the bus, you're off the bus." 00:28:09.656 --> 00:28:13.006 align:middle If you're not on the bus, you're off the bus. 00:28:14.546 --> 00:28:18.686 align:middle His face was washed white, his eyes in a spin, told me there was a guy ODed in his tub, 00:28:19.096 --> 00:28:22.016 align:middle said he tried the cold water thing but it didn't work on the bluish body. 00:28:22.016 --> 00:28:23.966 align:middle He knew this guy, Stein said. 00:28:24.156 --> 00:28:27.446 align:middle He was a member of Life Force [phonetic] Student Collective in Santa Monica. 00:28:28.136 --> 00:28:31.486 align:middle I had just visited Life Force a few times, after I had broken 00:28:31.486 --> 00:28:33.316 align:middle up with my wife who was also Jewish. 00:28:34.076 --> 00:28:36.406 align:middle She had moved out of Venice and joined them for a semester. 00:28:37.036 --> 00:28:42.396 align:middle They were [inaudible] bathrooms, [inaudible] bedmates, carrot juice, 00:28:42.716 --> 00:28:47.376 align:middle tahini banana sandwiches, refrigerated billboards, detailing chores 00:28:47.376 --> 00:28:53.596 align:middle and holding intense critique sessions on God, jealousy, fear of the body and political action. 00:28:56.416 --> 00:29:02.766 align:middle Usually they held these wraps and yoga lotus sitting postures, under large canopies, 00:29:02.766 --> 00:29:06.306 align:middle [inaudible] boutique sheets in the living room, candles and [inaudible] beans 00:29:06.306 --> 00:29:08.206 align:middle and small plates on the carpet floors. 00:29:09.306 --> 00:29:10.816 align:middle I recognize the temperature. 00:29:12.066 --> 00:29:16.726 align:middle The internal helix, the clarity of the ocean alphabet, the distance 00:29:16.726 --> 00:29:18.556 align:middle and the proximity of the cloud people. 00:29:18.746 --> 00:29:21.706 align:middle I was Mexican, the same way [inaudible] was Mexican. 00:29:21.706 --> 00:29:27.836 align:middle I was Mexican Mexican or Chicano the same way Wittgenstein was Mexican or Chicano. 00:29:28.126 --> 00:29:32.186 align:middle It was all about his gesture, his search for the feeling when he was pressed, 00:29:32.646 --> 00:29:34.836 align:middle when he's pressed his skin against the skin. 00:29:36.096 --> 00:29:36.516 align:middle What was it? 00:29:36.516 --> 00:29:38.846 align:middle He asked. What was it? 00:29:40.326 --> 00:29:41.716 align:middle I left home many years ago. 00:29:41.716 --> 00:29:46.446 align:middle I was living now in a while City Rampage with the cool bass riff underneath. 00:29:47.316 --> 00:29:52.666 align:middle All I had left were the fast colors, flaring and scaring flying on my Kawasaki, 00:29:52.956 --> 00:29:56.556 align:middle in my 59 flared Mercury without windows, an oval steering wheel melted 00:29:56.596 --> 00:29:59.826 align:middle down from going too deep into Arizona on a love chase. 00:30:01.106 --> 00:30:04.286 align:middle At a love chase after Margarita del Toboso [phonetic] who was hold 00:30:04.286 --> 00:30:08.826 align:middle up in a village a few miles from Prescott, a tiny 13 family town 00:30:08.826 --> 00:30:11.126 align:middle on the [inaudible] slope of the Tonto forest. 00:30:13.376 --> 00:30:17.216 align:middle I found her two decades later, but she was in San José. 00:30:22.416 --> 00:30:27.996 align:middle All I had were just a few numbers to play with, a few oblong packs of edgy phrases 00:30:28.466 --> 00:30:32.826 align:middle and a [inaudible] portion of a tiny bridge, the one I reached 00:30:33.436 --> 00:30:38.036 align:middle but I jump-started the Kawasaki, an American bridge. 00:30:38.386 --> 00:30:42.336 align:middle I think all of us wanted to get across this busted bridge line. 00:30:43.046 --> 00:30:47.686 align:middle Behind us, America; in front of us, America. 00:30:48.686 --> 00:30:52.836 align:middle Maybe the greater questions had to do with the bridge itself. 00:30:53.936 --> 00:30:55.546 align:middle What was it made out of? 00:30:56.296 --> 00:30:59.166 align:middle How many could it hold? 00:30:59.976 --> 00:31:02.946 align:middle Why was it burning so fast? 00:31:03.886 --> 00:31:09.006 align:middle Red, yellow, red, red. 00:31:34.426 --> 00:31:36.126 align:middle You got to mess with the space up here, you know? 00:31:36.126 --> 00:31:37.356 align:middle You got to mess with the space. 00:31:37.556 --> 00:31:38.806 align:middle It'll take over. 00:31:41.046 --> 00:31:42.516 align:middle I don't know what to read now. 00:31:42.726 --> 00:31:44.746 align:middle The podium has taken over. 00:31:48.476 --> 00:31:49.216 align:middle You got to mess with it. 00:31:49.216 --> 00:31:50.426 align:middle You got to mess with it. 00:31:50.426 --> 00:31:51.866 align:middle You got to change it. 00:31:52.586 --> 00:31:54.016 align:middle You got to jumpstart the baby somehow. 00:31:56.516 --> 00:31:58.376 align:middle Alright. I believe in traveling. 00:31:58.376 --> 00:31:59.466 align:middle I believe in journeys. 00:31:59.466 --> 00:32:00.916 align:middle I believe in crossing lines. 00:32:00.916 --> 00:32:02.356 align:middle I believe in busting wires. 00:32:02.356 --> 00:32:06.186 align:middle I believe in walking and stomping and flaring and double popping and flex strutting. 00:32:06.786 --> 00:32:08.966 align:middle And this thing takes place -- 00:32:11.216 --> 00:32:15.116 align:middle -- 1978, in the Mexico City ways. 00:32:15.876 --> 00:32:25.516 align:middle Downtown, on the [inaudible] -- San Juan de Letrán, in the middle of the park, 00:32:25.696 --> 00:32:30.206 align:middle el Parque Alameda, with the big hotels and fancy colors and statues 00:32:30.206 --> 00:32:36.486 align:middle and Carrera marble allegiances, with bright colors, candy apple red 00:32:36.486 --> 00:32:42.826 align:middle and bright watermelon pink, guacamole green, lime green, pineapple yellow - 00:32:46.146 --> 00:32:52.326 align:middle And there's a meditation on that space, 00:32:52.956 --> 00:32:58.846 align:middle where a Mexican actress named Lupe Velez traversed at one point. 00:32:59.846 --> 00:33:06.316 align:middle She came up North, made it to Hollywood and hit the big movies, the big screen. 00:33:09.156 --> 00:33:13.256 align:middle And then, she committed suicide, back in time. 00:33:14.016 --> 00:33:17.156 align:middle One of those beauties, one of those beauties. 00:33:17.156 --> 00:33:20.266 align:middle You ever looked at the 30s cinema, albums? 00:33:20.866 --> 00:33:25.366 align:middle Those kind of faces, those kind of images, kind of projections. 00:33:28.746 --> 00:33:35.326 align:middle Suicide in Hollywood, Lupe Velez, Serigrafía de una actriz mexicana. 00:33:40.286 --> 00:33:44.296 align:middle Let's listen to the sounds and then we'll listen to the resounds. 00:33:44.866 --> 00:33:52.476 align:middle El tráfico en San Juan de Letrán corta lunares de blusas suspiros de llantas transparentes 00:33:52.476 --> 00:33:59.626 align:middle asfalto desmembrado la mano de un bolero derrama grasa sobre suelas de piel de árbol lleno de 00:33:59.626 --> 00:34:08.496 align:middle bocinas untando sombra sobre un manicomio de colibríes y se pierde en los cines de piernas 00:34:08.496 --> 00:34:15.466 align:middle enredadas las medias rayando ramas de saliva y humo en el vientre de bailarinas negras. 00:34:16.286 --> 00:34:17.706 align:middle Las tardes se hunden. 00:34:18.886 --> 00:34:25.056 align:middle Nubes rodando sobre rehiletes hambrientos párpados en el rebozo de la muchacha hincada al 00:34:25.056 --> 00:34:28.186 align:middle lado de la taquillera, la escurre, 00:34:29.316 --> 00:34:35.766 align:middle hierve por las sienes de los amantes los bancos verdes de la Alameda, se ríen. 00:34:36.756 --> 00:34:42.266 align:middle Lupe, quedaste en un escusado ahogada la última escena de tu garganta, 00:34:42.886 --> 00:34:48.176 align:middle frente a un pequeño auditorio de blancas tejas, sin luz. 00:34:48.716 --> 00:34:51.936 align:middle ¿Es posible volver a tu pasado? 00:34:53.426 --> 00:35:01.796 align:middle Carteles y sonrisas extravagantes sadistas y tarzanes columpiándose entre venas púrpuras de 00:35:01.846 --> 00:35:04.866 align:middle tus sábanas desparramadas por las calles, 00:35:05.796 --> 00:35:14.276 align:middle moribunda por un cosmético secreto espeso el perfume de llantos en vasos amarillos y 00:35:14.616 --> 00:35:18.716 align:middle cigarros, quemándose en tus brazos el sol americano, 00:35:19.456 --> 00:35:27.466 align:middle encajando el esperma en tu espalda morena y la cajera de teatro pide dólares para que todos se 00:35:27.466 --> 00:35:29.596 align:middle olviden de tus hombros eternos, 00:35:30.086 --> 00:35:37.396 align:middle en taxis nocturnos de esmalte monopolio de películas y espejos que nunca pudieron asesinar 00:35:37.486 --> 00:35:38.946 align:middle tus ojos negros. 00:35:39.356 --> 00:35:45.686 align:middle The traffic in San Juan de Letrán cuts beauty marks from blouses size. 00:35:47.126 --> 00:35:54.176 align:middle From transparent tires broken pavement the hand of a shoeshine boy pours grease on soles 00:35:54.176 --> 00:36:00.596 align:middle of tree leather covered with honking horns that smear shade over a madhouse of hummingbirds 00:36:01.416 --> 00:36:08.166 align:middle and you're lost in theaters of tangled legs your stockings running branches of spit and smoke 00:36:08.256 --> 00:36:10.236 align:middle in the bellies of black ballerinas. 00:36:11.236 --> 00:36:17.726 align:middle The afternoons are sinking, clouds wheeling over hungry arrows, eyelids on the rebozo 00:36:17.726 --> 00:36:20.106 align:middle of the girl kneeling beside the ticket booth. 00:36:20.716 --> 00:36:24.526 align:middle The Moon oozes, boils up in the breasts of lovers. 00:36:24.816 --> 00:36:27.396 align:middle On the green benches of the Alameda, they're laughing. 00:36:27.986 --> 00:36:33.106 align:middle Lupe, you were left drowned in a toilet, 00:36:33.526 --> 00:36:39.116 align:middle last scene in your throat facing a little audience of white tiles, lightless. 00:36:40.436 --> 00:36:41.856 align:middle Can you go back to your past? 00:36:43.156 --> 00:36:49.506 align:middle Posters and smiles, sadistic extravaganzas and Tarzans swinging among purple veins 00:36:49.506 --> 00:36:53.556 align:middle of your sheets scattered through the streets dying for a secret. 00:36:54.226 --> 00:36:59.336 align:middle Cosmetic thick with the scent of weeping and yellow vases and cigarettes. 00:37:00.046 --> 00:37:04.576 align:middle Burning out your arms, the American sun shoving the sperm onto your brown back 00:37:04.576 --> 00:37:11.366 align:middle and the cashier asking for dollars so everyone can forget your deathless shoulders 00:37:11.866 --> 00:37:16.446 align:middle and nocturnal taxis of enamel a monopoly of movies and mirrors 00:37:16.766 --> 00:37:18.496 align:middle that could never murder your black eyes. 00:37:33.046 --> 00:37:34.936 align:middle How are you all doing? 00:37:35.206 --> 00:37:35.706 align:middle Feel good? 00:37:35.706 --> 00:37:36.226 align:middle Doing alright? 00:37:37.456 --> 00:37:38.276 align:middle Good, good, good. 00:37:38.276 --> 00:37:40.376 align:middle You look good, you look good. 00:37:47.046 --> 00:37:48.016 align:middle Thank you. 00:37:49.026 --> 00:37:49.386 align:middle Thank you. 00:37:53.196 --> 00:37:54.116 align:middle You want to switch gears? 00:37:54.636 --> 00:37:56.486 align:middle So into another terrain? 00:37:57.246 --> 00:37:58.296 align:middle Want to go to another terrain? 00:37:58.786 --> 00:38:00.946 align:middle Want to go to another terrain? 00:38:00.946 --> 00:38:02.136 align:middle Let's go into another terrain. 00:38:03.466 --> 00:38:06.736 align:middle Let's go into -- 00:38:21.446 --> 00:38:22.376 align:middle Speckled with razor. 00:38:25.126 --> 00:38:26.006 align:middle For Arturo Islas. 00:38:27.756 --> 00:38:28.286 align:middle In memory. 00:38:32.666 --> 00:38:36.836 align:middle Open, now, I say. 00:38:38.056 --> 00:38:49.356 align:middle Twisted bare knuckles, speckled with razor, complexions, moons for lemon crates, 00:38:49.826 --> 00:38:57.276 align:middle tent flaps in a stranger's backyard there is no pain to learn from, to admonish. 00:38:57.746 --> 00:38:59.716 align:middle Perhaps, the pain of God. 00:39:00.526 --> 00:39:10.896 align:middle This [inaudible] of holy virgin draperies, my velvet sister on the tree shaws, this is all. 00:39:11.126 --> 00:39:18.356 align:middle Lion tamer canopies, hushed battle cries frozen in the forearm. 00:39:19.726 --> 00:39:21.596 align:middle Oh, the [inaudible] cargo. 00:39:22.976 --> 00:39:25.926 align:middle Tiny human dolls in a pheasant trench coat for men. 00:39:26.916 --> 00:39:28.266 align:middle His looking glass wife. 00:39:29.936 --> 00:39:30.966 align:middle I live uphill. 00:39:31.516 --> 00:39:35.666 align:middle The past card, I carry. 00:39:36.966 --> 00:39:38.196 align:middle Take the [inaudible], listen. 00:39:38.756 --> 00:39:44.746 align:middle Its carnival brain sings me, radish [inaudible] sway me. 00:39:45.926 --> 00:39:47.556 align:middle A makeshift sky lifts me. 00:39:58.506 --> 00:40:07.466 align:middle Let me switch back to - To Songs for homeboys and homegirls. 00:40:08.916 --> 00:40:11.686 align:middle Ok? Alright. 00:40:14.136 --> 00:40:16.576 align:middle And, you know, I was kind of tired of that [inaudible] -- 00:40:19.556 --> 00:40:20.036 align:middle -- world. 00:40:24.376 --> 00:40:27.396 align:middle That occipital resting place. 00:40:31.536 --> 00:40:37.546 align:middle That terminator quixotic line break life -- 00:40:41.046 --> 00:40:42.886 align:middle -- I was tired of those things. 00:40:43.656 --> 00:40:45.126 align:middle I wanted some guacamole. 00:40:45.636 --> 00:40:50.286 align:middle I wanted some sour cream on my nose. 00:40:50.576 --> 00:40:54.006 align:middle I wanted to spill some salsa. 00:40:54.006 --> 00:40:58.396 align:middle I want to slap cilantro on my face. 00:41:02.256 --> 00:41:06.226 align:middle I was tired of that the quixotic, melancholic terminator line break world. 00:41:07.166 --> 00:41:10.466 align:middle La Cocina keeps you warm for the road ahead. 00:41:14.056 --> 00:41:14.516 align:middle That's right. 00:41:14.606 --> 00:41:15.946 align:middle That's what it is. 00:41:16.896 --> 00:41:18.616 align:middle La Cocina will keep you warm. 00:41:19.826 --> 00:41:20.366 align:middle No, it will. 00:41:21.706 --> 00:41:29.446 align:middle Frijoles, the reddish ones with chile colorado, cilantro, the leafy kind that shoots 00:41:29.446 --> 00:41:32.476 align:middle up in the garden, smells like earth mixed with perfumed rain. 00:41:33.056 --> 00:41:36.676 align:middle Wish I could use it as an aftershave. 00:41:39.046 --> 00:41:41.606 align:middle Huevos revueltos, giving steam full of blessings, 00:41:42.566 --> 00:41:44.466 align:middle sound of water splashing from the sink. 00:41:44.466 --> 00:41:53.606 align:middle In the morning, pafritas, turn them over gently, so they won't break and turn into white mole. 00:41:54.366 --> 00:41:57.286 align:middle Turn them despacito, so it won't burn. 00:41:58.296 --> 00:41:59.276 align:middle Careful con la grasa. 00:42:00.136 --> 00:42:08.676 align:middle It has to be just right or will go right through your pantalones and then you'll have to scrub. 00:42:08.676 --> 00:42:11.756 align:middle Cafe in a glass jar, an old jar with the label washed out. 00:42:12.736 --> 00:42:15.196 align:middle A jar once used for mermelada or peanut butter. 00:42:16.156 --> 00:42:24.966 align:middle Pour the cafe in, black, talking back with vapor on your face, warm, soft on your skin 00:42:25.536 --> 00:42:30.586 align:middle and give a good portion of leche from the carton on the little table full of triques. 00:42:30.586 --> 00:42:31.226 align:middle It's alright. 00:42:32.346 --> 00:42:35.736 align:middle Wrap your hand on a tortilla con mantequilla and pinch the chunky salt, 00:42:37.126 --> 00:42:42.726 align:middle for the road ahead think good things as you hold the botana on your hands, 00:42:43.446 --> 00:42:50.376 align:middle think of early morning rain, wet campos, clouds parting with blue light, 00:42:51.126 --> 00:42:54.436 align:middle as you pull the mantequilla and taste a cafe. 00:42:55.656 --> 00:42:58.406 align:middle When you take the frijoles from the sarten, tranquilo. 00:42:58.676 --> 00:43:00.716 align:middle Lift the handle, remember? 00:43:02.106 --> 00:43:08.026 align:middle Your mother, remember your father, remember all of them with you. 00:43:09.146 --> 00:43:10.746 align:middle Ask the universe for a full life. 00:43:12.036 --> 00:43:16.986 align:middle Let the cocina keep you warm for the road ahead. 00:43:29.246 --> 00:43:31.756 align:middle [Inaudible] going to the cocina right now. 00:43:34.046 --> 00:43:35.366 align:middle How you doing? 00:43:35.366 --> 00:43:36.556 align:middle Let me check in with you one more time. 00:43:42.686 --> 00:43:46.856 align:middle I want to name you some titles and you tell me which title tickles you, alright? 00:43:47.486 --> 00:43:49.276 align:middle From middle English to high cilantro. 00:43:54.166 --> 00:43:55.206 align:middle [Inaudible] serás. 00:43:59.896 --> 00:44:01.486 align:middle Anybody want any? 00:44:01.966 --> 00:44:04.476 align:middle Dr. Loco in The Rocking Jalapeño Band. 00:44:10.766 --> 00:44:14.006 align:middle Carnal odas at the Mississippi Delta Blues Festival. 00:44:17.426 --> 00:44:19.196 align:middle Joe Costello told me about peaches. 00:44:20.296 --> 00:44:24.706 align:middle Albert King drives my ranfla. 00:44:27.556 --> 00:44:34.606 align:middle And last but not least watering cebolla while my father burns leña. 00:44:35.946 --> 00:44:36.486 align:middle Which one you want? 00:44:40.056 --> 00:44:41.446 align:middle Rock and roll? 00:44:41.736 --> 00:44:44.276 align:middle Dr. Loco? Ok. 00:44:44.726 --> 00:44:45.826 align:middle You all know Dr. Loco? 00:44:48.086 --> 00:44:49.726 align:middle Alright. You must know Dr. Loco. 00:44:50.336 --> 00:44:51.116 align:middle He's a cool cat. 00:44:51.116 --> 00:44:51.636 align:middle He's a good buddy. 00:44:51.636 --> 00:44:52.756 align:middle He's a good friend, carnal. 00:44:54.006 --> 00:44:57.636 align:middle Alright. I'm going to do my little Tai Chi thing here with you. 00:44:59.106 --> 00:45:00.796 align:middle Everybody raised their hand. 00:45:00.796 --> 00:45:01.896 align:middle Everybody stretched. 00:45:01.896 --> 00:45:03.146 align:middle Let's do it together. 00:45:03.146 --> 00:45:05.736 align:middle Alright. Wow, look at that. 00:45:05.736 --> 00:45:08.736 align:middle Alright. Split them out. 00:45:08.736 --> 00:45:09.936 align:middle Wow, yeah. 00:45:09.936 --> 00:45:10.626 align:middle There you go. 00:45:10.866 --> 00:45:12.596 align:middle Modern dance. 00:45:12.746 --> 00:45:12.906 align:middle Alright. 00:45:16.406 --> 00:45:16.826 align:middle Alright. 00:45:20.536 --> 00:45:22.646 align:middle This is for José Cuellar and the [inaudible] jalapenos. 00:45:22.646 --> 00:45:24.896 align:middle José Cuellar and the [inaudible] jalapenos. 00:45:25.286 --> 00:45:30.276 align:middle Dr. Loco and the Rockin jalapeno band, smooth my soul in the bosom of Azlan [phonetic]. 00:45:31.166 --> 00:45:33.066 align:middle That's the title. 00:45:33.906 --> 00:45:35.976 align:middle That's the title. 00:45:36.116 --> 00:45:38.876 align:middle Ok? Take it all the way to Modesto, California. 00:45:40.026 --> 00:45:41.586 align:middle Haven't seen Dr. Loco for a while. 00:45:42.876 --> 00:45:48.776 align:middle Before we left Fresno, had barbecue beef on buns, filled up the tanque for the dance, 00:45:49.356 --> 00:45:55.636 align:middle get there, park la ranfla, a 95 Mazda Marlene smashed up in Iowa City. 00:45:58.046 --> 00:45:59.466 align:middle Pos, where's the gente? 00:46:00.306 --> 00:46:00.886 align:middle I asked [inaudible]. 00:46:02.316 --> 00:46:04.036 align:middle Tranquilo, she says. 00:46:04.146 --> 00:46:06.106 align:middle Two hours early, Carnal. 00:46:06.686 --> 00:46:15.566 align:middle Alright. I get a little white plate of chips, watery salsa and a Coca, 00:46:16.136 --> 00:46:18.376 align:middle so I can fine ride, do my famous spins -- 00:46:40.066 --> 00:46:42.496 align:middle When I get there, I would answer. 00:46:42.986 --> 00:46:46.766 align:middle When I stop, the truck stop. 00:46:49.826 --> 00:46:51.746 align:middle One hour and Dr. Loco rolls in. 00:46:52.236 --> 00:46:54.396 align:middle I'd be ready like the camaron in the tuxedo. 00:46:54.976 --> 00:46:56.256 align:middle Maybe he'll play chile pie. 00:46:56.746 --> 00:46:57.496 align:middle You know chile pie? 00:46:58.126 --> 00:47:01.396 align:middle Chile, chile pie. 00:47:07.626 --> 00:47:10.376 align:middle Alright. Alright. 00:47:10.376 --> 00:47:11.656 align:middle I feel chingón. 00:47:11.656 --> 00:47:14.416 align:middle Maybe he'll play I feel chingón, a James Brown piece. 00:47:17.086 --> 00:47:18.976 align:middle I feel chingón. 00:47:22.166 --> 00:47:23.216 align:middle I grew up in San Diego. 00:47:23.216 --> 00:47:28.996 align:middle I grew up two blocks from the Rhythm Room, downtown, 12th Street Broadway 00:47:29.576 --> 00:47:32.326 align:middle and James Brown used to come by and do his thing. 00:47:33.326 --> 00:47:34.806 align:middle So I remember James Brown. 00:47:36.116 --> 00:47:40.506 align:middle He put the Mambo inside your Rambo, until you can't get out. 00:47:40.776 --> 00:47:42.216 align:middle He'll snake the Cumbia through your tumba, 00:47:42.216 --> 00:47:47.526 align:middle make your tia Chole do the Rumba in her Católica socks. 00:47:47.966 --> 00:47:52.936 align:middle He will shake it at your neck and bolera you're soltero, you're ranchera, your pasteles 00:47:52.936 --> 00:47:55.346 align:middle and cha, cha, cha, your huesos crueles. 00:47:56.986 --> 00:48:00.096 align:middle Toda la banda will come up, throw down their pocho riffs 00:48:00.446 --> 00:48:02.686 align:middle on our comales, going to let myself out again. 00:48:03.886 --> 00:48:06.446 align:middle Feed on el arroz de la batería, el mole del [inaudible], 00:48:06.536 --> 00:48:12.066 align:middle el spaghetti chiflado de la guitarra, la [inaudible], the rest of the bola 00:48:12.306 --> 00:48:14.946 align:middle in black smoke dress tuttos porcos [phonetic]. 00:48:15.256 --> 00:48:16.346 align:middle Have you looked at those sideways? 00:48:16.346 --> 00:48:17.116 align:middle They turn red. 00:48:17.886 --> 00:48:21.336 align:middle Oh, we're going to be ready. 00:48:22.316 --> 00:48:28.416 align:middle To spill our [inaudible] so we can continue with the soul, rock and roll, 00:48:28.416 --> 00:48:32.646 align:middle this dance light that belongs to us, that is given. 00:48:34.056 --> 00:48:36.096 align:middle From middle English to high cilantro. 00:48:36.726 --> 00:48:40.466 align:middle This is for those involved in the literary endeavor. 00:48:45.116 --> 00:48:52.246 align:middle This is for those involved in the literary endeavor and I know that all of you are involved 00:48:52.986 --> 00:49:00.976 align:middle in this vision, this literary multitrack of awareness and -- 00:49:03.356 --> 00:49:04.546 align:middle -- belle lettre. 00:49:07.106 --> 00:49:11.976 align:middle This vision urn shaped, bowl of consciousness. 00:49:16.116 --> 00:49:24.546 align:middle That we must disseminate, generate, multiply, integrate throughout the southlands, eastlands, 00:49:24.546 --> 00:49:26.086 align:middle the westlands and the northlands. 00:49:27.516 --> 00:49:29.296 align:middle I know we are all part of this struggle. 00:49:30.346 --> 00:49:31.936 align:middle I know what's in your hearts. 00:49:32.086 --> 00:49:37.326 align:middle I know the word is central to your being and to your existence. 00:49:37.326 --> 00:49:47.906 align:middle So therefore, I dedicate to you this - These laydown projects. 00:49:48.696 --> 00:49:56.836 align:middle Enterprise that has been laying in a guacamole fashion on my table. 00:50:14.406 --> 00:50:27.006 align:middle For cocido, I [inaudible], when I have no sandwiches or bolillos, I trespass your stem. 00:50:27.606 --> 00:50:34.896 align:middle In the [inaudible], you provide hidden perfumes, open my nostrils -- 00:50:37.046 --> 00:50:39.536 align:middle This, I say, is soul. 00:50:42.046 --> 00:50:47.186 align:middle My duty to thy [inaudible] guisados forever, my lady. 00:50:52.856 --> 00:50:57.416 align:middle My kingdom and carne asada ashes, all for thee. 00:51:00.046 --> 00:51:11.126 align:middle In thy plenitude tortillaso, let the knight of Arthurian ham enter and I will slay him 00:51:11.126 --> 00:51:13.976 align:middle down with his humble virile verdolaga. 00:51:17.746 --> 00:51:19.846 align:middle My [inaudible] steep in your caldo -- 00:51:22.796 --> 00:51:24.676 align:middle Crucifictions upon burguer. 00:51:25.856 --> 00:51:30.226 align:middle Crucifictions upon pound of [inaudible] burguer. 00:51:30.226 --> 00:51:32.216 align:middle All for not. 00:51:32.576 --> 00:51:39.866 align:middle All for eternal guacamole hell! 00:51:39.866 --> 00:51:43.736 align:middle You are alone in your espinaca fluorescence hail. 00:51:45.506 --> 00:51:47.056 align:middle Hail, I say. 00:51:47.056 --> 00:51:55.016 align:middle Let us ride in low ranfla. 00:51:56.416 --> 00:52:00.496 align:middle And [inaudible] up spirits [inaudible] in raza flavor [inaudible]. 00:52:04.106 --> 00:52:04.546 align:middle Thank you. 00:52:24.066 --> 00:52:25.746 align:middle Oh, yes. Yes. 00:52:25.746 --> 00:52:30.976 align:middle The literary endeavor has taken us to interesting places. 00:52:34.386 --> 00:52:37.886 align:middle This is a -- This is -- I wanted to do this. 00:52:37.886 --> 00:52:41.656 align:middle I wanted to show you this next piece. 00:52:43.016 --> 00:52:47.246 align:middle It's a few pages from a longer piece called True people. 00:52:47.526 --> 00:52:50.026 align:middle I haven't come up with a super title but that's what it is. 00:52:51.036 --> 00:52:56.176 align:middle It's about going to the southlands, it's about crossing the borders, breaking the borders 00:52:56.996 --> 00:53:00.746 align:middle and going back to the South, the south in Mexico. 00:53:02.566 --> 00:53:06.046 align:middle It seems that every South is invisible in the media. 00:53:06.756 --> 00:53:13.616 align:middle It seems that every South is under guard, under siege. 00:53:14.806 --> 00:53:16.886 align:middle So I wanted to go back to the South. 00:53:17.856 --> 00:53:26.816 align:middle So I did. I got on a plane, then I got on a couple of Volkswagen buses and taxis and made it 00:53:26.816 --> 00:53:32.156 align:middle to Chiapas, the southernmost state in Mexico, right next to Guatemala. 00:53:32.156 --> 00:53:37.486 align:middle And I wanted to go into the Indian towns, I wanted to go into those towns 00:53:37.486 --> 00:53:44.116 align:middle that I know are part of me and I'm part of them, that they have contributed to who I am 00:53:44.116 --> 00:53:49.086 align:middle and what I am, that they have informed my soul and my spirit; what I eat, 00:53:49.146 --> 00:53:51.116 align:middle what I see, how I think and how I dream. 00:53:51.116 --> 00:53:53.056 align:middle And I wanted to get back there. 00:53:53.926 --> 00:53:55.936 align:middle I didn't know what to say or what to do. 00:53:56.276 --> 00:54:00.386 align:middle I don't know what I was going to do with my words, with my eyes, 00:54:00.386 --> 00:54:03.446 align:middle with my hands, with my feet or with my heart. 00:54:03.446 --> 00:54:04.616 align:middle I just knew I had to go South. 00:54:04.796 --> 00:54:06.576 align:middle I had to just get back. 00:54:07.816 --> 00:54:15.696 align:middle So this is what this is and I wanted to visit distant relatives 00:54:15.756 --> 00:54:16.906 align:middle and I want to get closer to them. 00:54:19.376 --> 00:54:23.296 align:middle And right now we're -- On this section, we're in San Cristobal de las Casas, 00:54:23.296 --> 00:54:28.076 align:middle one of the [inaudible] in the state of Chiapas and, of course, 00:54:28.076 --> 00:54:30.076 align:middle the capital being Tuxtla Gutierrez. 00:54:30.666 --> 00:54:39.396 align:middle But the actual old capitol today's called San Cristobal De Las Casas and it's surrounded 00:54:39.396 --> 00:54:45.526 align:middle by this beautiful highlands, beautiful mountains and, in all those places, 00:54:45.606 --> 00:54:47.766 align:middle there's a number of indigenous tribes. 00:54:49.206 --> 00:54:54.216 align:middle And then, below those mountains, you go into the lowlands and you go into Maya country. 00:54:55.006 --> 00:54:56.626 align:middle You go into Lacandona country. 00:54:57.426 --> 00:55:01.036 align:middle You go into, you keep on going, you go into Quiché country in Guatemala. 00:55:01.846 --> 00:55:06.896 align:middle And it's the last trip of rainforest that we have, as well. 00:55:07.536 --> 00:55:10.926 align:middle I wanted to get back there, but right now I'm in San Cristobal. 00:55:11.396 --> 00:55:14.496 align:middle It's night time. 00:55:14.676 --> 00:55:17.976 align:middle And I've just seen a number of women come marching down the street, 00:55:19.166 --> 00:55:24.546 align:middle Indian women from Chenahló, a small municipality in the highlands. 00:55:25.536 --> 00:55:29.576 align:middle And they're wearing their red rebozos and they got red patterns on the rebozos 00:55:29.576 --> 00:55:34.946 align:middle and they got dark black hair pulled back and they're walking very proudly. 00:55:34.946 --> 00:55:37.736 align:middle And there's men behind them. 00:55:37.886 --> 00:55:42.986 align:middle They're at the frontline and the men are playing guitars, and there's corridos and there's 00:55:42.986 --> 00:55:46.426 align:middle up beat up saxophones and beat up trumpets just joining in. 00:55:47.716 --> 00:55:50.526 align:middle And, behind them, there's the entire pueblo. 00:55:51.076 --> 00:55:56.376 align:middle Behind them men with [inaudible] hats and nylon hats and women with ruffled dresses and sandals 00:55:56.376 --> 00:56:01.056 align:middle and barefoot and choppy faces and burnt faces, and high cheekbones and eagle eyes. 00:56:01.416 --> 00:56:05.736 align:middle And they're all marching down the street and they're carrying this big estandarte 00:56:05.736 --> 00:56:09.186 align:middle of the Virgen de Guadalupe, they're carrying the Mexico flag 00:56:09.186 --> 00:56:12.726 align:middle and they're carrying the big old sign that says Chenalhó, [inaudible] about their pueblos 00:56:13.226 --> 00:56:15.376 align:middle and I'm just standing on the corner. 00:56:16.476 --> 00:56:21.026 align:middle Just standing on the corner not knowing what to do, what to say, where to go, what's going on. 00:56:21.356 --> 00:56:26.186 align:middle This is the multitrack of unknown numbers, realities, red rebozos and violence 00:56:26.186 --> 00:56:27.996 align:middle in the raging semi [inaudible] continue. 00:56:28.326 --> 00:56:30.766 align:middle The women from Chenalhó -- For the march. 00:56:31.506 --> 00:56:34.896 align:middle Their dark foreheads lead them to el plantón de la catedral 00:56:34.896 --> 00:56:38.136 align:middle and their scarves [inaudible] in the late afternoon winds. 00:56:39.176 --> 00:56:39.896 align:middle They multiply. 00:56:40.686 --> 00:56:44.726 align:middle Their bodies and arms spread and disperse into each one of our souls and memories. 00:56:45.206 --> 00:56:48.526 align:middle Viva Rigoberta Menchú with crossed arms and staunch hearts. 00:56:48.916 --> 00:56:52.906 align:middle They are young and barefoot, combed in stern, full of compassion 00:56:52.906 --> 00:56:55.646 align:middle and terrible pictures held tight in their braided hair. 00:56:56.186 --> 00:57:02.026 align:middle They are the braided spirits of Doña Petrona Chona whose body was cut into 25 pieces 00:57:02.316 --> 00:57:05.966 align:middle by the machete bodyguard of a finca landowner in Guatemala, 00:57:06.726 --> 00:57:09.836 align:middle pieces that Rigoberta Menchu's father placed in a basket. 00:57:10.436 --> 00:57:14.956 align:middle Petrona Chona shreded into small pieces, 00:57:15.186 --> 00:57:21.776 align:middle can yield flesh because she didn't permit Carlos Garcia, the landowner's son, to rape her. 00:57:22.596 --> 00:57:25.876 align:middle Petrona in pieces comes back to us this afternoon. 00:57:26.406 --> 00:57:31.756 align:middle Her head, her arms and hands, her legs and thighs, her belly and her breasts, 00:57:32.316 --> 00:57:37.026 align:middle she's woven back -- Through stone, through national borders and borderguard time. 00:57:37.586 --> 00:57:43.286 align:middle She has come back to the valley of machetes, broken galeras and fincas and is present 00:57:43.286 --> 00:57:46.596 align:middle in the sudden multitude calling out for justice. 00:57:47.326 --> 00:57:51.266 align:middle Petrona Chona is leading the march with her Mayan sisters and brothers. 00:57:51.696 --> 00:57:52.986 align:middle This is why people stare. 00:57:53.476 --> 00:57:54.806 align:middle This is why we stop breathing. 00:57:55.606 --> 00:57:59.636 align:middle The Indian women hear no, Petrona Chona did not die in vain. 00:58:00.076 --> 00:58:03.466 align:middle They know the women of Chenalhó were not raped and wounded in vain. 00:58:04.736 --> 00:58:05.636 align:middle What about us? 00:58:05.816 --> 00:58:11.686 align:middle The onlookers, the note takers, the accountants, the bookkeepers and anthropological shadows? 00:58:12.076 --> 00:58:12.886 align:middle What do we know? 00:58:13.456 --> 00:58:14.916 align:middle What taste burns in our mouth? 00:58:15.456 --> 00:58:19.946 align:middle Who is hidden behind inside the tops and bridelocks of our hair? 00:58:20.486 --> 00:58:26.316 align:middle What pictures fall from our heads on to the Public Square in such a loud and loving fashion? 00:58:27.666 --> 00:58:31.816 align:middle The Indian women and men gather at the open square facing the entrance of the church. 00:58:32.256 --> 00:58:34.806 align:middle I stand at the back, sit down and smoke. 00:58:35.446 --> 00:58:40.026 align:middle A few of the men [inaudible] young man burned by the sun, looking ahead at the archaic 00:58:40.026 --> 00:58:41.766 align:middle and sealed doors of the cathedral, 00:58:42.166 --> 00:58:45.616 align:middle where the leaders raise los estandartes de la Virgen de Guadalupe, 00:58:45.866 --> 00:58:51.686 align:middle the mexican flag [inaudible] red and gilded cloth on sticks. 00:58:52.626 --> 00:58:54.336 align:middle The rest of us stand in front. 00:58:54.996 --> 00:58:58.326 align:middle About a hundred or so and around us another two hundred. 00:58:58.916 --> 00:59:01.946 align:middle Children run about, their mothers bring out food stuff 00:59:02.186 --> 00:59:04.716 align:middle from their [inaudible] and they hand them out to eat. 00:59:05.256 --> 00:59:08.016 align:middle A voice in tzotzil comes to us from the speakers. 00:59:09.186 --> 00:59:11.316 align:middle Ahead, I can see the speaker. 00:59:12.296 --> 00:59:14.896 align:middle He's a young tzotzil man kneeling at the foot of la Virgen. 00:59:14.896 --> 00:59:18.086 align:middle His voice carries a cavernous tenderness. 00:59:19.196 --> 00:59:20.676 align:middle It is slow, then quick. 00:59:21.486 --> 00:59:26.216 align:middle He's singing almost but he is beseeching the pueblos of Mayan Indians before him. 00:59:26.706 --> 00:59:29.186 align:middle He's naming the raped, the innocent. 00:59:29.576 --> 00:59:31.836 align:middle He's crying out and his voice is shaking. 00:59:32.196 --> 00:59:35.916 align:middle He's crying out with one arm holding the estandarte of la virgen 00:59:36.286 --> 00:59:39.836 align:middle and the other down, still, his chest. 00:59:40.526 --> 00:59:46.746 align:middle I don't know his words, but I can feel the pain and I slowly stand and walk up closer. 00:59:46.746 --> 00:59:54.026 align:middle A woman with a child to my right and a tall man wearing white to my left, the voice trembles 00:59:54.026 --> 00:59:55.796 align:middle and I raise my head to see the others. 00:59:56.046 --> 00:59:59.306 align:middle Their heads are down as they listen, crying out with their brother 00:59:59.816 --> 01:00:02.006 align:middle for the families stricken once again. 01:00:02.006 --> 01:00:08.146 align:middle The other two estandartes are held by women who lift the rebozo to the face with a free arm, 01:00:08.146 --> 01:00:10.906 align:middle so they can carry and cry on to themselves. 01:00:11.186 --> 01:00:13.006 align:middle The whole plaza is mourning the dead. 01:00:13.366 --> 01:00:18.966 align:middle The men, all the women, all the children are in tears. 01:00:19.956 --> 01:00:24.626 align:middle I let my crying take me to their crying and envelop me in their weeping. 01:00:25.046 --> 01:00:26.576 align:middle This is one thing I can do. 01:00:27.416 --> 01:00:32.296 align:middle And it comes up without question or analysis, without notes or reflections. 01:00:32.666 --> 01:00:34.996 align:middle I am singing with my Indian sisters and brothers. 01:00:35.126 --> 01:00:40.866 align:middle I am singing for the dead and wounded and for the transformation into fullness and freedom. 01:00:41.646 --> 01:00:45.736 align:middle When a woman takes the microphone, after the man can no longer go on, she begins. 01:00:46.986 --> 01:00:48.646 align:middle Her voice is determined, clear. 01:00:50.046 --> 01:00:52.316 align:middle She says in Spanish that tonight there will be a gathering 01:00:52.316 --> 01:00:54.796 align:middle for the Indian pueblos inside the church quarters. 01:00:55.226 --> 01:00:57.836 align:middle She speaks with her head up and her shoulders bright 01:00:58.546 --> 01:01:01.646 align:middle and the thick amber doors of the church, they never open. 01:01:02.766 --> 01:01:04.866 align:middle The Bishop never comes up. 01:01:05.076 --> 01:01:10.586 align:middle It is as if the Indians have come to seek solace at the foot of an ancient shrine. 01:01:10.766 --> 01:01:15.186 align:middle It is not the church itself, how could it be? 01:01:15.426 --> 01:01:20.196 align:middle All I see are Indians standing at the gate of the church, crying, singing up 01:01:20.196 --> 01:01:22.786 align:middle and holding up their own faith in community. 01:01:24.286 --> 01:01:28.756 align:middle There's something that has been buried under the church, under San Cristóbal De Las Casas, 01:01:28.756 --> 01:01:33.046 align:middle that lies here and its eyes are awake and its heart is ready to fly. 01:01:33.506 --> 01:01:34.856 align:middle They gather their strength here. 01:01:34.856 --> 01:01:40.776 align:middle They know, I know that the onlookers will go home with a different taste in their mouths, 01:01:41.156 --> 01:01:44.556 align:middle with something that they have kept hidden from themselves in their mercado baskets. 01:01:45.306 --> 01:01:48.606 align:middle I sit down again, offer cigarette to the man next to me. 01:01:49.846 --> 01:01:51.086 align:middle They're surprised and thank me. 01:01:51.836 --> 01:01:56.016 align:middle We sit, smoke, listen to the demands in tzotzil to the names 01:01:56.016 --> 01:01:57.876 align:middle of the lost, the names of the determined. 01:02:00.536 --> 01:02:04.756 align:middle Night comes to the cathedral in the center of town. 01:02:04.946 --> 01:02:08.156 align:middle The streets are empty and a few people linger in San Cristobal. 01:02:09.286 --> 01:02:13.046 align:middle They're no visible party palaces as in Veracruz or D.F. or the big cities. 01:02:13.696 --> 01:02:17.766 align:middle Here the night wraps the streets and leaves a few idle wanderers smoking cigarettes 01:02:17.766 --> 01:02:21.496 align:middle or listening to a small box radio, inside an abarrotes storefront. 01:02:22.126 --> 01:02:27.906 align:middle That's [inaudible] stack kilos of tortillas, pan dulce, bolillos, Coke bottles, eggs, 01:02:28.296 --> 01:02:31.386 align:middle dry chorizo on a wire [inaudible] and Mexican [inaudible]. 01:02:33.316 --> 01:02:36.956 align:middle I make another round through the quiosco, so as not to appear awkward . 01:02:37.126 --> 01:02:41.856 align:middle I'm the only ladino man out in the street, out in the plaza, next to the church. 01:02:42.496 --> 01:02:45.726 align:middle The tzotziles are huddled inside the back quarters of the Bishop's rectory. 01:02:46.396 --> 01:02:49.416 align:middle They have nailed two effigies on a [inaudible] that hold up the baranda. 01:02:49.976 --> 01:02:54.066 align:middle A small light bulb shines down on the ragged and [inaudible] figures. 01:02:55.166 --> 01:03:01.006 align:middle [Inaudible], nightwinds in unknown languages of ascensions, they gather in the back, 01:03:01.926 --> 01:03:03.976 align:middle ome form a line against the wall. 01:03:04.566 --> 01:03:09.926 align:middle I step. I receive you like the Chamula cloth dolls at birth. 01:03:10.286 --> 01:03:13.346 align:middle This [inaudible] night, the second half of the skydome. 01:03:13.726 --> 01:03:16.986 align:middle I pledge without language, without a text, for my transformation. 01:03:17.466 --> 01:03:20.036 align:middle You are changing before my eyes and my skin. 01:03:20.396 --> 01:03:22.176 align:middle You, with the same bent as my mother. 01:03:22.796 --> 01:03:25.646 align:middle You with the same crooked elbow as my father. 01:03:25.646 --> 01:03:28.776 align:middle I receive you as I receive those that gave me birth. 01:03:29.176 --> 01:03:32.976 align:middle I take you with your severities, with your [inaudible] landscapes of torture, 01:03:33.056 --> 01:03:35.386 align:middle corn [inaudible], incidents and woven faces. 01:03:35.836 --> 01:03:39.506 align:middle I received you with your nights string innocence, with your oppressors [inaudible], 01:03:39.506 --> 01:03:44.816 align:middle knife and wooden slats as effigies, as practices to sweep the evils from your soul, 01:03:44.986 --> 01:03:49.706 align:middle from the village of blue navals, from the iris of your mountainous village waters. 01:03:50.726 --> 01:03:55.806 align:middle Forming before my walking, in my absence and in my presence, I would have stayed 01:03:55.806 --> 01:04:00.506 align:middle and remained alone inside the city bank inside the fashion fair prowls. 01:04:01.296 --> 01:04:05.286 align:middle And my escape letter suits [inaudible] with melancholy and nice intelligence. 01:04:05.356 --> 01:04:09.376 align:middle I would have stayed in that balsa that it crumbled American pocket 01:04:09.376 --> 01:04:10.786 align:middle of [inaudible] as in tiny furies. 01:04:11.956 --> 01:04:15.446 align:middle At the feet of the beggar boy, I would have stayed back there in my comfort, 01:04:15.976 --> 01:04:21.216 align:middle or in my open desert flood water volcanic midwest stone in the Land of Lincoln, 01:04:21.216 --> 01:04:23.376 align:middle next door to Dorothy's flight to us. 01:04:23.416 --> 01:04:28.176 align:middle I would have kept all my fine flared riding pants, my self-made quilts and tile 01:04:28.376 --> 01:04:31.896 align:middle and tall proud notebooks and have looked elsewhere for my rain. 01:04:31.896 --> 01:04:37.646 align:middle I would have looked elsewhere, somewhere between fanciful americanism, brown-skinned oblivion, 01:04:38.206 --> 01:04:45.576 align:middle but I take a tiny step for a few seconds back, then forward, to persistence and memory, 01:04:45.576 --> 01:04:49.746 align:middle through timelessness and ripped out sidewalk trails, rock and roll [inaudible], 01:04:49.746 --> 01:04:52.566 align:middle city steam an Indian town, fungi taxis. 01:04:53.126 --> 01:04:55.216 align:middle I [inaudible] would run into you by mistake. 01:04:55.776 --> 01:05:01.056 align:middle I was looking for a tour, an interpreter but my suit had grown too thin and I was freezing. 01:05:01.466 --> 01:05:05.376 align:middle I needed your smoke, your boiled wooliness, your fun, colored warmth, 01:05:05.766 --> 01:05:10.306 align:middle your eternal half smoke ferocity face and your warrior prayer hands pointing 01:05:10.306 --> 01:05:13.206 align:middle to the effigy on the Bishop's baranda. 01:05:13.466 --> 01:05:15.566 align:middle I receive you without any words. 01:05:16.036 --> 01:05:17.096 align:middle I'm still informed. 01:05:17.256 --> 01:05:22.406 align:middle I am changing with you as you go to your [inaudible] triumph, gilded with your names 01:05:22.406 --> 01:05:26.406 align:middle up in the sky flares, held up by the women of the villages 01:05:26.696 --> 01:05:28.996 align:middle to continue to remember that you continue. 01:05:29.606 --> 01:05:34.766 align:middle I go through the street of 1,000 flade hearts asking for your name but all I hear, 01:05:35.296 --> 01:05:42.016 align:middle in the distance on this cobblestoned ribbon of Calle Diego Dugelay is music. 01:05:43.266 --> 01:05:43.926 align:middle Muchas gracias. 01:05:44.106 --> 01:05:44.686 align:middle Thank you very much 01:05:48.596 --> 01:05:48.936 align:middle Thank you. 01:05:58.626 --> 01:05:59.586 align:middle Thank you, Alison [phonetic]. 01:06:00.406 --> 01:06:00.866 align:middle Thank you, all. 01:06:00.866 --> 01:06:02.986 align:middle Thanks to all. 01:06:03.096 --> 01:06:03.856 align:middle Muchas gracias.