EAST SIDE PRESENTE
By Mayra Flores
I am the struggle
The heartache
The headache
I am the success
The joy
The celebration
I am the color
So dark
So deep
Provocatively showing up
Showing out
Standing proud
I am the sacrifice
Of so many immigrants
Of mothers
Of fathers
Of abuelitas and niños
I am the fruit
Of their labor
Their laughter
Their tears
I am everything
That makes you love us
Fear us
Envy and deny us
I am
