I’ve crossed American soil

The fine line that divides poverty between the land of opportunity

I’ll always remember my Mexican sisters across the border, but will I practice what they preach?

Or pretend I’m someone I’m not cut out to be?

Forget my identity and sell my culture

For more money, more power

Y todo para qué?

For white recognition and my goals met

Because when I cross the border all anyone sees is a nopal on my forehead

And when I’m in Mexico all they see is proud to be an American

Because they’ve oppressed my ancestors and this is why they fight

For their children to have a better life

Yet, I’m already living the American Dream and still don’t feel white

A Xicana girl living in a “i’m not good enough” world

Lost in my own identity with a foot in each door

But, this is why solidarity exists

To break down power structures

And stand together, in justice and peace

For a better world to exist

I am Mexican American

And no one can take this from me

Born into a cruel world, but we are all human beings

This is our commonality that lets us stand in solidarity. 

 

P. Luera, Austin, Texas October 2016