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Students, faculty read at MEChA's Poetry Night
The SCSU Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztl�n (MEChA) presented its first Chicano/a Poetry Night Thursday in the Atwood Quarry.
Over 20 poems were read as poets approached the podium and explored boundaries dealing with love, hate, beauty, being proud and dealing with the past as the audience took in the words with gratitude and respect.
As the light dimmed and a silence drew over the audience, the first person, Manuel Caro, professor of ethnic studies, spoke. His poem, "El Paso," told about his childhood memories during his first six years in his house in El Paso. He mentioned the good and hard times that he and his family went through and how he became inspired to write poetry. He also talked about his grandfather that he never knew and how he knew his uncle as a good man.
The second person to speak was Lupita Saucedo, who spoke about many poems dealing with individual members of her family and how Chicanos are underestimated. One of her poems, "Tree Top Treves," told about a teasing lover who blew her kisses, and in the end, did kiss her.
Next, SCSU students approached the podium one at a time to tell their stories. The first person was Dave Mendez, freshman. His poem, "As I Look," told about a beautiful girl that he loves but could never have her because it makes him sad inside.
Lance Gibson, senior, was the second student to share his poem, "Maria," which told about the treatment of women who work in Southern Mexico and how she got whipped and died for her country as her blood flowed through the rivers of the land.
Next, Angie Gomez, freshman, approached the podium. She is originally from Minnesota and her poem, "I am," spoke about the harsh stereotypes she gets for being Chicano, such as being lazy and stupid. She sees herself as a loving and caring person.
In "La Reina" (the king), Freddy Garcia, graduate student, told about how he was told that being homosexual was wrong, but finally ignored the stereotype and told audience members how he was proud to be homosexual.
Alex Villarreal's "Stupid America" made the audience think can't you see that Chicanos are smart and know what is going on around them? Villarreal, a junior, also recited the poem, "How Mothers Lost Their Sons in War" in Spanish and the grief that they went through along with the fond memories of their sons.
For those who wake up in the morning with a hangover, Steve Casanova's poem described a remedy: Menudo. Casanova, professor of ethnic studies, described in his poem, "Philosophy with Harmony," that Menudo is Mexican food made from the stomach of a cow, chili and salsa and is guaranteed to help a hangover.
Casanova then went on to talk about three Chicano poets that had died a few years ago and how he appreciates their works.
"Chicano poetry is food for the soul," Casanova said. "Everyone speaks universal truths."
The night came to an end with a chance for audience members to recite their poetry with an open microphone. When no one would go up, Garcia presented his poem, "Think of Those Who Had Died," which reflects about the things in life we take for granted and do not remember those who had done a good deed before us.
The audience enjoyed the poems.
"I really enjoyed myself listening to poetry," said Jessie Olson, junior. "It was relaxing."
Kateri Wozny can be reached at: [email protected]
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