Good evening, everybody.
Am I shorter than you, girls?
¡Híjole!
I'm in trouble.
So before I read this poem from "The Anthology,"
I want to thank the Poetry Center
and of course University of Arizona
Press for taking on this--
for being courageous and taking on this project.
And I would like to ask everyone to remember the original people
of this land, because I never read anywhere without saying
you're here with us.
And also the spirit of Francisco X. Alarcón,
who I'm sure is here with us as well.
This one is called "Giving Voice."
It's dedicated to La Bloga and all the poets
responding to SB 1070.
"No choice but to speak out loud about injustice.
Those who hide must have no voice, just slashed tongues.
They hide while being used by people who speak lies.
They work, live silently in fear, waiting.
Who then will speak for us when others turn away?
Who joins in solidarity, speaks up?
Unearths muted voices, teaches them new songs to sing,
dedicates them poems for peace, flowers.
Flor y canto, poder, power, sweet medicine
to heal fear, hatred, and yes, to demand justice."
Thank you.